Lucky 7 Ranch
Headquartered in the northern reaches of the Great Basin, near the border town of McDermitt, Nevada, lies the Lucky 7 Ranch. This fully functioning ranch boasts all the efficiencies expected of a high desert operation, spanning nearly a quarter of a million acres. With elevations ranging from 4,400 feet at the meadows of the headquarters to 8,000 feet at the high points of the summer country, Lucky 7 is a true cattle ranch.
With a capacity to run approximately 3,360 animal units (AUs) efficiently, Lucky 7 transforms its native grass into high-quality protein through its reputable calf crop, year after year. Decades of careful management have made it an industry leader, and it continues to run cows and calves economically, capitalizing on the economies of scale offered by its geographical location and size.
Still reliant on the strong minds and work ethic of cowboys, their horses, and dogs, this ranch operates much as it has for decades. The Owyhee Desert, Trout Creek Mountains, and Santa Rosa Range paint a picturesque high desert landscape, instilling a sense of pride and belonging among the cowboys who work the land—a culture that contributes to the ranch’s long-standing success.
Lucky 7 maintains a healthy working relationship with the Bureau of Land Management and neighboring operations, working together to uphold, sustain, and improve the health and value of the land and its productivity.
Headquartered in Nevada, this operation takes full advantage of the state’s favorable tax structure. Additional operational benefits include inexpensive feed, low per-animal-unit operating costs, abundant water, well-appointed range improvements, and ranch amenities. The expansive outside country of Lucky 7 features over 30 fenced and well-watered pastures, lush meadows, and pivot-irrigated hay fields.
This is a rare opportunity to own one of the few large-scale ranches left in our country— yours for the taking.
The story
McDermitt, Nevada, once known as “Dugout,” was named in honor of Lieutenant Colonel Charles McDermitt, commander of the Military District of Nevada, who was killed in a skirmish with Native Americans in 1865. The township was founded to support Fort McDermitt, located five miles away, with the purpose of protecting the stagecoach route from Virginia City, through Winnemucca, and north to the Silver City Territory in Idaho. This historic stage road was the military’s most valuable transportation route between Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada. In a region known for its vast, vacant landscapes, semiarid deserts, and jaw-dropping mountain ranges, the Intermountain West can seem almost ghost-like in its expansiveness.
Lucky 7 Ranch encompasses land that was once part of the historic Miller and Lux land company. Miller and Lux were industry leaders in cattle ranching, owning 1.4 million acres that stretched from Mexico to Oregon. Their holdings included 22,000 square miles across California, Nevada, and Oregon.
In 1961, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) divided and fenced the rangeland among users, allowing ranchers to operate independently rather than running livestock in common. This division gave rise to the formation of Lucky 7 Ranch. The ranch was originally owned by Bob Campbell, who built the airstrip at the ranch’s headquarters. He used his plane to fly to Antelope Camp, located on the northern end of the property, to check on cattle and deliver supplies. From the ranch’s founding in 1961 until its sale in the 1970s, Bob Campbell ran Charolais cattle exclusively.
After the sale, Alaskan businessman Locke Jacobs purchased the ranch. Despite his lack of ranching experience, he saw the value in Lucky 7’s location, particularly the fact that it was the only interstate highway in Nevada without a major casino presence. However, the demands of ranch life soon took their toll, and Locke eventually sought to sell the property.
In 1983, Tom and Mike Harry, along with their father Dick, purchased the Lucky 7 Ranch. Generational ranchers from California, the Harry family aimed to expand their operations to areas where water and feeding costs were lower. McDermitt, Nevada, proved to be the ideal location. In 2004, the Harry family further expanded their holdings by purchasing the adjacent Ten Mile Ranch and Vance Ranch, solidifying their place as owners and operators of one of the largest cattle ranches in the region.
Cattle ranch
At the Lucky 7 Ranch, the cattle operation manages approximately 3,360 animal units across two herds: the Lucky 7 herd and the Vance/Ten Mile herd. The Vance/Ten Mile cattle graze on the 15-Mile and Sherburn allotments, while the Lucky 7 herd utilizes the Campbell Allotment. In early spring, the cattle begin their grazing rotation, maximizing the land’s natural resources.
As fall approaches, the cattle are moved back to the ranch’s deeded land, where they graze on private pastures and crop aftermath. Winter feeding begins in mid-December, ensuring the livestock are well-fed through the colder months. This efficient cycle highlights Lucky 7’s commitment to sustainable, high-quality cattle management.
The average fall-weaned calf percentage stands at 90%. The average weaning weights are 525 lbs for steers and 490 lbs for heifers.
Heifers begin calving on February 5th, and cows start calving from mid to late February.
BLM grazing
The new Lucky 7 Ranch effectively manages its cattle operations across the combined Campbell, 15-Mile, and Sherburn Grazing Allotments, utilizing approximately 272,891 +/- acres. This vast area is essential for the ranch’s extensive cattle herding activities, providing ample grazing space. The cost of utilizing these allotments totals $31,754.70, reflecting the ranch’s commitment to costeffective yet expansive cattle grazing. This strategic use of the grazing allotments not only ensures the well-being of the livestock but also highlights Lucky 7’s dedication to operational efficiency and sustainable land management.
WATER
The Lucky 7 Ranch boasts a well-orchestrated water system, crucial for supporting its livestock and irrigation needs. The ranch is supported by three irrigation wells serving 380 +/- acres, while the remaining 2,600 +/irrigated acres is nourished by McDermitt Creek, Ten Mile Creek, and natural hot springs. This blend of natural and well-fed irrigation ensures consistent water availability for hay production and pasture management.
For livestock, the ranch boasts 12 stock water/domestic wells, along with eight developed springs and numerous undeveloped springs scattered across the land. Water distribution is further supported by five main creeks with tributaries, 27 +/- reservoirs/ponds, and 42 +/- miles of stock water pipeline, which feed 38 +/- troughs. Three 15,000-gallon storage tanks ensure that the ranch’s water supply remains steady and reliable across its vast terrain.
This well-coordinated combination of irrigation and stock water systems highlights Lucky 7 Ranch’s capability to effectively manage both agricultural productivity and livestock health, ensuring the long-term sustainability of its operations.
Buildings and Improvements
Lucky 7 Ranch boasts a comprehensive set of facilities to support its expansive ranching operations. Across the properties, there are six homes and two bunkhouses, providing comfortable living accommodations for the workforce essential to day-to-day activities. Additionally, the ranch features two extra home sites, allowing for future development if needed.
At the heart of the ranch’s livestock operations are 4,219 +/- linear feet of working corrals, a 50,000 lb livestock scale, and a hydraulic squeeze chute, all critical for efficient cattle handling and management.
The ranch also includes multiple barns, a well-equipped shop for machinery maintenance, and a feedlot, enhancing the ranch’s cattle-raising capabilities. Fuel storage ensures that machinery and vehicles remain operational for seamless day-to-day operations.
Together, these facilities—including homes, bunkhouses, working corrals, barns, and fuel storage—form the backbone of Lucky 7 Ranch’s successful and sustainable cattle ranching operations.
PRECIPITATION AND CLIMATE
The range of elevation spans nearly 4,000 feet. The base is 4,400 ft and surpasses 8,000 ft at its peak. McDermitt consistently sees over 15 hours of daylight in June and an average of 9.2 hours a day in December. The average annual precipitation is 12 +/inches at the low elevation and significantly increases as elevation increases.
RECREATION
Outdoor enthusiasts will find a haven for exceptional hunting experiences at Lucky 7 Ranch. This expansive property offers a unique combination of vast acreage and diverse habitats, making it a hunter’s paradise. The ranch provides ideal conditions for a variety of game species, ensuring a rewarding hunting experience. Each year, landowners can apply for a number of hunting tags, with the allocation based on the ranch’s large acreage. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife manages the distribution of these tags, ensuring a fair and sustainable approach to game management.
Beyond its value as a significant investment in land, water rights, mineral rights, and cattle operations, Lucky 7 Ranch stands out as a dream destination for outdoor adventurers. The ranch’s expansive landscape offers ample recreational opportunities for family and friends, combining outdoor exploration with the operation of one of the nation’s most historic and productive cattle ranches. This unique blend of adventure and tradition is what many outdoorsmen dream of but rarely experience.
MULE DEER:
The ranch’s terrain provides the perfect backdrop for hunting these agile and graceful animals.
ANTELOPE:
Known for their speed and elusiveness, antelope hunts on the ranch are thrilling.
PHEASANT:
The ranch presents a perfect backdrop for the pursuit of pheasants, known for their speed and evasiveness. This setting ensures a hunting experience that is both demanding and gratifying.
QUAIL:
With its diverse habitats, the ranch offers an ideal setting for pursuing these swift and elusive birds, providing a challenging yet rewarding hunting experience.
This combination of productive cattle ranching and premium hunting experiences positions the Lucky 7 Ranch as a unique and desirable property for those seeking both an agricultural investment and a recreational retreat.
location and Ranch access
Tucked away in the Northern reaches of the Great Basin, The Lucky 7 Ranch is a hidden gem. It’s a 74-mile journey north from Winnemucca, Nevada, and 183 miles to the southwest from Boise, Idaho. The ranch boasts a secluded spot just 2/3 of a mile west of Highway 95.
Home to over 8,000, Winnemucca is a flourishing city featuring an array of stores, Humboldt General Hospital, and a rich array of cultural experiences, community events, and outdoor adventures. It’s well-serviced with medical facilities. Interstate 80, linking Reno and Salt Lake, intersects Interstate 95 and slices through Winnemucca, where you’ll find major retail outlets and a plethora of services.
On the cusp of Nevada and Oregon, McDermitt is a quaint unincorporated community, complete with a library, educational facility, fuel stations, a local store, a casino, and an eatery.
THE LUKCY 7 RANCH IS HEREBY OFFERED IN ITS ENTIRETY AT $28,600,000
Offering price includes the following assets
• All deeded land & improvements
• All water rights
• All mineral rights currently owned by seller subject to prior reservations
• Transfer of Bureau of Land Management term permits (subject to agency approval)
• All irrigation systems
• All furnishing and appliances not owned by employees
Conditions of sale
• All prospective buyers must demonstrate financial capability to purchase the ranch prior to scheduling an inspection.
• No offers containing financing or appraisal contingencies will be considered.
• An owners policy of title insurance will be provided by Malheur County Title Company Inc. located in Ontario, OR.
• Seller requests that all proposals be delivered in the form of a letter of intent.
DEPRECIATION OPPORTUNITIES
Ranches in general, provide a multitude of depreciation opportunities. Listed below are common assets which are typically depreciated from ranch holdings.
• Grazing federal grazing permits. In accordance with IRS code Section 197 (d) (D) any license, permit, or other right granted by a governmental unit or an agency or instrumentality thereof.
• One Center Pivot
• Three Wheel Lines
• 125 +/- miles of fencing
• 4,219 +/- linear feet of working corrals
• Six homes and two bunkhouses
• Two additional home sites
• Shops / Barns / Ancillary Structures
• Eight developed springs
• 42 +/- miles of stock water pipeline
• 38 +/- troughs
• Three 15,000-gallon water storage tanks
