The Various Types of Ranches

v>Fishing Ranches - Although some fishing ranches are
Most people don't realize that there are manyoperated as fisheries, most are recreational
different types of ranches.  This article reviews theproperties. Fishing ranches with sport fishing
features and benefits of many of the most popularcapabilities have natural streams or rivers for fly
types of ranches.fishing or man-made and stocked lakes for boat
When purchasing a ranch, considerations will varyfishing. Most fishing ranches offer additional activities
based on whether the ranch will be operated as asuch as hunting and horseback riding.
business or be used for personal enjoyment. WhileHorse Ranches — Horse ranches are usually
there is some overlap, several ranch types arepurchased for recreational purposes to accommodate
commonly operated for profit; Cattle Ranches, Guesthorse enthusiasts. They may consist of a simple barn
Ranches and Hunting Ranches.and miles of riding trails or have complete equestrian
Other ranches are primarily used for recreationalfacilities with indoor and outdoor arenas, turnout
purposes with a focus on either sporting activities orpastures, hay storage, large barns with multiple horse
personal enjoyment of the land. Recreational ranchesstalls, wash racks and tack rooms. 
include Fishing Ranches, Horse Ranches, AcreageAcreage Estates — These properties are
Estates, and Shared Amenity Ranches.defined by their luxurious improvements and are
Cattle Ranches — Most cattle ranches are runoften located in highly desirable areas near resorts or
as a for-profit business. They have multiple head ofpopular vacation spots. They may be primary or
cattle, feedlots, processing facilities, a ranch managersecondary residences but are purchased primarily as
and ranch hands. Although cattle is the mostluxury estates where owners may participate in
common, other large animals such as bison arehobby ranching or just enjoy the serenity and
sometimes raised. Production ranches requireprivacy offered by the surrounding acreage. Year
extensive acreage, experience and business acumenround access and proximity to international airports
to be run profitably.are important to most purchasers of acreage
Guest Ranches — Normally operated forestates.   
profit, guest ranches offer lodging facilities for guests.Shared Amenity or Community Ranches - This type
The accommodations can vary from 5-star lodgesof ranch offers an alternative to the traditional ranch
with fine dining and luxury suites to cabins or huts.setup where operational costs and demands can
Guest ranches may operate as corporate retreatsinterfere with the ability to enjoy the property. The
with a focus on solitude and escape from the stressshared amenity ranch offers an innovative way to
of the city or as retreats for individuals and familieslive an authentic ranching lifestyle with some of the
to enjoy nature and participate in recreationalcomforts of modern living. Owners share common
activities on the ranch.areas such as equestrian centers, trails or community
Hunting Ranches — Many hunting ranches arecenters but do not have to personally manage or
operated for profit. They offer sport hunting formaintain the shared amenities. These ranches can
large animals including deer, elk and antelope oroften be purchased at a fraction of the cost of a
various types of birds. For-profit hunting rancheslarge ranch.
typically offer guest accommodations for recreationalPurchasing a ranch is a considerable investment. An
hunters. Personal hunting ranches may simply beexperienced ranch broker can assist in identifying the
acreage with appropriate conditions for wildlife suchbest type of ranch to suit your long-term
as water and tree cover that is purchased for therequirements.
purpose of hunting.