Our Story.
Family-owned South Dakota land since 1912, offered to hunters since 1997 — a legacy of great ground, great dogs, and honest hospitality.
A century on this land.
The heart of the ranch has been in the Bolton family since 1912, hunted by friends and family until 1997 — when we decided to offer this beautiful land to the public.
We operate a working cow/calf and family cattle operation across 17,000 acres, about 96% of it in one contiguous block. That land produces some of the finest pheasant habitat in South Dakota, and in 2022 we built a luxury lodge to match the quality of the hunting.
Six generations, one piece of ground.
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1912
The Beginning
Findley Forgey purchases the piece of land the family still calls Grandpa's, on the country south of Dallas, South Dakota. The heart of the ground we hunt today is the ground he started with.
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Generations On The Land
Ranching, farming, and building habitat
Decades of running cattle, putting in crops, and caring for the ground — developing it, shelterbelt by shelterbelt and food plot by food plot, into a Midwest paradise. The habitat that makes the hunting what it is did not happen by accident.
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1997
Opening The Ranch
After decades hunted only by family and friends, Bolton Ranch begins welcoming hunters. Joe starts the hunting side of the operation and has been involved in every part of it since.
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2022
The Lodge
A 13,000-square-foot lodge opens on the rise — twelve rooms with private baths, a five-star kitchen, a great room and a mud room with a locker for every guest.
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Today
A complete sporting destination
Bolton Ranch has grown into one of South Dakota's complete hunting and sporting destinations: 17,000 acres, a luxury lodge, a full kitchen, and a range most guests do not expect.
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The Next Chapter
Where we're headed
Expanded guest experiences, corporate retreats, and more of what has always worked here — still a working cow/calf operation, still run by the family.
Still a working cow/calf and family cattle operation across 17,000 acres, about 96% of it in one contiguous block.
The people behind the ranch.
Joe B. Bolton
Owner
Joe owns and operates Bolton Ranch. He started the hunting business in 1997 and is involved in every aspect of the operation, overseeing all enterprises.
Stacie Bolton
Co-Owner
Stacie owns and operates the ranch alongside Joe. Together they run every part of the guest experience — from the fields to the lodge table.
Luke Bolton
Co-Owner & Guide
Luke grew up on the ranch and knows every acre like the back of his hand — a lifelong hunter dedicated to putting guests on birds.
Tarell Bauld
Manager
Tarell manages the lodge and takes care of you all the way from booking to departure.
Trent Bouy
Guide
Trent has been guiding and working at the ranch since 2017.
Grace Odden
Hospitality
Grace has worked for us since the construction of the new lodge. She works on the hospitality side as our prime bartender, and helps out wherever she is needed.
Kylee Bolton
Lodge & Hospitality
Luke's wife. Kylee helps out in all aspects of the lodge, or wherever she is needed, working alongside Stacie to learn the ropes.
Joseph Bolton
Sixth Generation
Luke's son, and the newcomer to the ranch at almost a year old. He is still getting his feet wet in a little bit of everything.
What we won't compromise on.
Great Ground
Roughly 17,000 mostly-contiguous acres, managed for birds and hunted without crowds.
Genuine Hospitality
Gourmet home-cooked meals, a full bar, and a family that treats guests like old friends.
Done Right
Professional guides, trained dogs, and every detail of the day handled for you.