Distinctly Montana Magazine

empty dinner dishes, half-filled beer bottles and rousing strums from Eric and Jason’s guitars. At midnight, three a.m., and 6 a.m., three of them will take turns on the newborn calf patrol. Diligent about minding the herd, they have lost only two of the hundred or so births this season. There is a peace and a closeness in the Wickens family, which is no doubt a product of many such nights when the core family, spouses and the next generation of child- ranchers come DISTINCTLY MONTANA | DIGITAL See photos of life on the Wickens Ranch Go to www.distinctlymontana.com/wickens113 together to celebrate the old traditions. The true value of the ranch is its appreciation for generations of Wickens before and to come. “It’s a feeling and a satisfaction that I have trouble express- ing,” says Diane. “It’s an appreciation for mother nature, the arrival of the meadowlarks and robins in the spring, and the yellow finches...the coyotes howling at night. The total quiet, with a sky full of stars at night. Watching the grandkids laugh and run through the hills as we pick wildflowers in the spring.” “Our favorite thing,” John adds, “is the cattle drive, moving the herds through the canyons, across the Judith to green grass. We do it a couple times a year, and it reminds us all of why we call ourselves ranchers.” “We just really love being outdoors and being together, getting work done,” says Diane. “It’s a good and satisfying feeling at the end of the day, to know you’ve accomplished your goal and had fun doing it. To be able to do that with your family and neighbors is as good as it gets. We all have a deep appreciation for family, the land, the animals and the opportunity to be here. Yes, there are hard times and the weather and the markets are unpredictable, but it’s all part of the game.” “There is no better life,” says John. WICKENS’ FAMILY RANCH ENTERPRISE Farming & Ranching Hunting Gunsmithing Varmint Shooting Lodging/Weddings/Reunions Dude Ranch Vacations Oil & Gas Licensing Paleontology Licensing Film-Shoot Licensing 1911-2000 1975-Present 1995-Present 1993-Present 1993-Present Train Robberies & Hangings 1994-Present Ranch Caretaking 2007-Present 2000-2007 2007-2011 2007-2011 2009-2010 OTHER WICKENS’ ENTERPRISES DOG CREEK OUTFITTERS Game Hunts: Elk, deer, antelope, big horn sheep and birds Accommodations: Two first-lodges with equal trophy hunting opportunities. Each lodge has all the amenities of home: private bedrooms, full kitchens, hot showers, and laundry service. Inquiries and Reservations: Matt & Jamie Wickens Box 92 Winifred, MT 59489 mwickens@itstriangle.com GUNSMITHING John Wickens, owner/operator of Wickens Gunsmith- “There is no better life.” 84 ing has been an avid hunter, big game guide, re-loader, bench shooter, and basic “gun nut” all his life. John can help you build YOUR perfect rifle. Extensive knowledge of ballistics and field use is the Wickens’ guarantee for a custom rifle. From varmint hunting to big game hunting, John builds rifles for all occasions. Order a new custom-built rifle, or have him rebuild one out of your old favorites. He promises 100% satisfaction. John and Diane Wickens 11955 Salt Creek Road Hilger, MT 59451 (406) 462-5618 JASON AND JACKIE WICKENS Recording and Production Studio Bozeman http://blueroanmedia.com NICOLE WICKENS Wedding and Portrait Photographer Missoula http://greendoorphotography.com DISTINCTLY MONTANA • SUMMER 2011

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