Trophy hunting on the Thunder Ranch

Like trophy elk hunting? Take a look at Thunder Ranch, one of our notable sold hunting properties adjoining Dinosaur National Monument on the border of Utah and Colorado at the base of Split Mountain in Jensen, Utah.

Formerly listed at $16.2 million, the 36,200 ± acre ranch was owned and operated by Thunder Enterprises, based out of Chattanooga, Tenn.

According to listing broker Ken Mirr, “The Thunder Ranch offers a rare combination of unrivaled trophy hunting, major hay production, and cattle operation, all next to the historic Dinosaur National Monument and only 15 minutes from the conveniences of Vernal, Utah.”

The headquarters unit, situated in Jensen, Utah with over 2,000 acres of irrigated alfalfa fields, serves as an oasis and private reserve, attracting game from miles around. Wildlife on the ranch includes elk, mule deer, antelope, wild turkeys, waterfowl, and sandhill cranes.

“Deer and elk need three things in order to survive and thrive: water, food, and cover, and Thunder Ranch has all three in great abundance. Simply, the animals never need to leave the property, and usually they don’t, even with hunting pressure. Thunder Ranch offers the exceptional combination of readily available tags, great genetics, gentle topography and long-standing owner management policies aimed at perpetuating herd quality,” explains Jeff Hubbard, listing broker and former outfitter.

In addition to trophy hunting, Thunder Ranch is a productive farm and ranch operation. With historic water rights, the property directly pumps out of the adjoining Green River, feeding underground pipes connected to 17 large pivots that annually produce an average of 8,000 tons of high-protein alfalfa hay. The ranch has also supported a year-round cow/calf operation with an approximate capacity of 500 head.

“When I bought Thunder Ranch years ago, I had certain criteria for the ranch of my dreams. It had to have plenty of wildlife and terrific hunting opportunities, great proximity to world-class fly fishing, a revenue stream that would allow the ranch to pay its own way, and an airport close by for great access. I found all four at Thunder Ranch. The land is simply the most magnificent and unique of any of the vast properties out there,” said John Thornton, CEO of Thunder Enterprises.

To view a video of this ranch and see more from the property, visit Mirr Ranch Group on YouTube.