In a landmark purchase, the nonprofit American Prairie has reopened nearly 50,000 acres of public land to hunters, anglers, and backcountry recreationists. Anchor Ranch was previously owned by Texas billionaire brothers Dan and Farris Wilks and spans 67,960 acres. It’s controlled access to about 50,000 acres of public land north of the Missouri River since a 2011 District Court judge decided Bullwhacker Road wasn’t a “public route,” according to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle. 

With the purchase of the ranch complete, American Prairie plans to open Bullwhacker Road, creating access for all.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure an important piece of ecologically and culturally significant land,” said American Prairie CEO Alison Fox. “But this acquisition is equally important as a way to return public access to the people so they can explore, hunt, and recreate on land that’s been off-limits for many years.”

American Prairie also purchased two other parcels, which increases their holdings to 603,657 acres in the Treasure State.

“We believe that public lands should be in public hands, and are proud to be able to provide more permanent access to this special area of the Breaks,” said Fox. “While we will take some time to develop a comprehensive public access plan for this new property, the previously private stretch of Bullwhacker Road is now officially open to the public.”

The area is home to a plethora of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, antelope, sage grouse, and more. 

“This is a win for anyone who cares about public access to our shared lands,” said Randy Newberg. “Our audience cares deeply about the Bullwhacker Allotment as it touts exceptional habitat and opportunities to hunt. It’s an area that’s both important to protect and for the public to access.”