2011 Map of Hecker Ranch

About this map

Isolated ranching operations and seasonal camps define this section of the Montana high plains during the early 21st century. The landscape is oriented around ephemeral water sources and drainage systems, where family names are etched into the map through locations such as Hecker Ranch and Hauck Ranch. These headquarters are supported by critical water management infrastructure, including the Schmidt Number 1 Dam and BN Number 3 Dam, which allow for cattle grazing in a semi-arid environment. Movement through this Rosebud County territory relies on a sparse network of unpaved roads like Sumatra Rd and Gumbo Butte Rd. The geography is further marked by Kincheloe Camp and Rankin Camp, indicating the specialized land use required to manage vast acreages far from established towns. These settlements follow the natural contours of Rattlesnake Creek and Antelope Creek, which provide the primary topographic structure for the region.