The Shortridge family has been ranching along the Smith River outside Augusta, Montana for nearly 100 years. For the first time, the ranch has opened to people wanting to enjoy the dazzling scenery of the Rocky Mountain Front while reeling in trout known to locals to be both plentiful and feisty.

Shoco Ranch's private shooting preserve has ring neck pheasants that are considered the mustangs of pheasantry. Limits are likely with our variety of different covers, including gently rolling native grassland, a lightly wooded creek and grass meadows. For a change of pace you may also bag chukars. Our hunts are available from September thru March. Packages include the ranch cabins or in-town facilities and hard flying beautiful healthy birds.

• Exclusive pheasant hunting preserve
  
• Limited packages available for new members
  
• First time opening to public
  
• Falconers welcome
  
• References required

Rates for Shoco Ranch Private shooting preserve:

• Shoco Ranch is offering a 2-1/2 day hunt with lodging. This hunt can be applied to the Ranch package including 60 birds and lodging for the season.
  
• Additional birds can be purchased for $30.00 per pheasant or chukar.
  
• Cabins are $ 50.00 per night plus 7% bed tax.
  
• Call Shoco Ranch at 406-562-3553 for booking details

Shoco Ranch is now accepting reservations for its premier pheasant hunting season for autumn 2010. Ranch guests can enjoy a brisk 5 mile walk or amble along that same distance, savoring the crisp Augusta, Montana breeze and photographing the wildlife that calls the river bottom home. Well trained gun dogs are welcome.

The best fishing in the terraced Smith Creek begins in mid-June, when the Rocky Mountain snow melt subsides. Smith Creek and Sun River are great light rod, dry fly fisheries and their shaded pocket water remains a destination in early summer. Our love affair with the land, painstaking habitat improvement has enhanced the over hanging vegetation made up of tree branches, and shrubs that provide cover for our burly rainbow and wild brown trout. Shoco Ranch's private waters are managed exclusively for catch and release, and we allow only fly fishing with barbless hooks on Smith Creek. Rainbows, browns, and brookies we've got. Rocky Mountain wilderness and rivers fed by streams we boast on, all of this translates into a fisherman's dream. Access is everything. Fishing Shoco Ranch's four miles of private stream with Smith Creek running thru the middle guarantees you that access. When wading the Sun River is not an option we get to the tough spots on a float tube. Shoco Ranch is a dream come true for the fly rodder and angler that thrives on small stream fishing. Meet me in Augusta, Montana at Shoco Ranch.

Terrestrials are the best choice in small creeks and rivers. Imitations of these land and plant bourn critters are an absolute must in nearly every fly box. The strike is usually an explosion, and there are places where a fist full of hoppers, ants and beetles are all you are going to need!

Fly selections- caddis flies are probably the most important insect for you're fishing box. Many anglers focus on the dry fly, and fish the nymph only just before their emergence into open air. Nymphs versions are most effective in moderate to fast water. These remarkably durable flies sink quickly, and mimic caddis pupa and freshwater shrimp.

Local fishermen have chosen what has proven the most tried and popular patterns for the creek and river fishing. If you like the idea of "Cast and Blast" during you're vacation, give Springtime Ranch a call.

The Stonebolt Cabin is a new cabin. It sleeps 4 people and is named for the horse drawn feed sled that early ranchers used. Its wood stove provides both heat and cooking opportunities. Roll out your own sleeping bags on our sturdy bunk beds. The Bunkhouse Cabin is the real McCoy, hand hewn from local cottonwood trees, look for the ax marks. We've updated the original sod roof to tin, perfect for the cool night that characterize fall here along the Rocky Mountain Front. The Missouri River Cabin is situated on the banks of that Blue Ribbon Trout Stream. Nestled in a cottonwood grove, this handcrafted cabin sleeps four. Stay tuned; plans are to include a waterfowl hunting package, due to premier in 2010.

Rates for fishing and cabins:
Partly of 4: $1200.00 3 nights 2 days
Partly of 2: $ 950.00 3nights 2 days
In town lodging is also available
Exclusive weekly rates are available