Upper and Lower Branham Lakes are just up the road for kayaking and more fishing as well as having a lakeside campground.

11.5 miles east of the quaint mountain town of Sheridan that has all the necessities.

Ennis Lake is in the area and can be enjoyed year round including winter ice skating and ice fishing.

The TV show, American Gold: The Legend of Bear Gulch, on the Fox Business Channel, takes place in these same mountains.

The TV series, Yellowstone with Kevin Costner, is filmed just West of this area.

The movie, The River Runs Thru it, with Brad Pitt, was filmed not too far away.

A great plus is having Yellowstone National Park less than a 2 hour drive South.

The Willow Creek Reservoir with boating and fishing is also in the area.

See further down the listing the Buying Process, my financing options to choose from, and how to purchase my claim.

See with the pictures maps and satellite views.

Click on the top listing picture then arrow right to see all.

We feel we are selling more than the gold and minerals on beautiful land.

You would be acquiring an experience that will give you a good feel for what the old time prospectors must have felt during the days of the original Montana Gold Rush.

A mining claim is an affordable way to enjoy the beauty of the land combined with the adventure of panning for gold.

National Forests remained open at all times during the virus with a televised invitation by the Director for families to visit them as safe places for family recreation, making our mining claims some of the safest places for your family to enjoy and get away from all the nonsense.

The Branham Lakes was named after the family of Tom Branham, one of the earliest miners and prospectors in Sheridan, Montana. Upper Branham Lake and Lower Branham Lake are 19 and 11 acre lakes located in scenic Madison County, Montana. The Branham Lakes are full of aggressive Brook Trout that are eager to take a fly or lure. There are ample shore fishing opportunities around the lake.

The Branham Lakes Campground is a nice rustic campground on 3 acres. There is a day-use picnic area here, ADA accessible toilet, water in spring/summer, as well as a boat launch and fishing access area. The alpine meadows and views of the Tobacco Root mountains are majestic. The campgrounds six sites rest along the lakeshore, surrounding by the beauty of nature.

TOWN OF SHERIDAN: Sheridan sits on the banks of the Ruby River, in the heart of the Ruby River Valley. Seven mountain ranges surround the Ruby River Valley: the Tobacco Root, the Highlands, the McCartney, the Pioneer, the Ruby, the Gravely, and the Snowcrest Mountains. As the heart of the Valley, Sheridan offers easy access to them all. Enjoy all of the hiking, hunting, camping, fishing, and backpacking that these majestic mountains have to offer while you stay in Sheridan. Although access to the Ruby River (especially around Sheridan) is limited, persevering anglers will be rewarded with prime fishing. From Sheridan, follow MT Highway 287 south to Alder, then take Upper Ruby Road to follow the entire length of the Ruby River, stopping to search for garnets at Ruby Reservoir, and camping in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.

In addition to the cornucopia of outdoor activities, Sheridan is only a few miles from the historic locations of Nevada City and Virginia City. These two semi-ghost towns, some of the first in the territory, started as gold camps along Alder Creek. Today, many of the historic buildings have been restored, making them one of the most impressive historic ghost towns in the state. No visit to Southwest Montana is complete without a tour of Virginia and Nevada Cities, and Sheridan is the perfect place to stay while visiting them.

Outdoor recreation resources in Montanas Greater Ruby Valley where this claim is located make for a sportsmans paradise and are the source of many a familys fondest memories.

FISHING:

Ruby Valley in Madison County Montana, is in the heart of the best fly-fishing in the lower 48. Famous blue-ribbon trout streams, the Beaverhead, Big Hole, and Ruby Rivers have their confluence near the town of Twin Bridges, where they become the Jefferson River. Two of the top fly-rod makers in the country call Twin Bridges home, as do many highly qualified fishing outfitters/guides.

Hiking, Horseback Trails & Camping

Surrounded by 7 mountain ranges Tobacco Roots, Ruby Range, Gravelly Range, Green Horn, Snowcrest, Madison Range, and the Blacktail the greater Ruby Valley has access to a full variety of backcountry experiences. Whether you are looking for an easy afternoon hike and a picnic along a lake, or whether you want to spend your vacation or summer camping, hiking, horseback riding, and exploring in the heart of the Rockies, you can base your adventure in one of our friendly small towns, camp in one of the several established campgrounds.

MADISON COUNTY: Down in Southwest Montana, sharing a tiny portion of its southern border with Idaho is Madison County. This mountainous part of Montana is wedged between Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, and its residents maintain their local traditions that are inspired by the natural landscape, like fishing, ranching, and all things outdoors.

The county seat is Virginia City, an interesting place split between the historic and the contemporary. Half of the town contains a vibrant, current-day population, while the other half is an abandoned mining town, preserved as a slice of history and a window into the lives of settlers from the mid-1800s.

While Virginia City is probably the countys largest touristic draw, the nearby town of Ennis is a delightful stop for passers-through, and is host to many annual events. Though it doesnt immediately border Yellowstone National Park, Madison County, and more specifically Ennis, can make a great base from which to explore the park.

SOUTHWEST MONTANA ROCKHOUNDING

Rockhounding is more than just a hobby; it is a lifestyle.

There's a reason Montana is known as the Treasure State and that Southwest Montana where our claims are located is especially rich for gold and precious gems.

Even today, you can tap into the euphoria of making a find in Montana.

A century and a half ago, these hills crawled with prospectors lured by rich gold strikes.

Aquamarine, sapphires, garnets, amethyst, smoky quartz, clear quartz scepters, jaspers, topaz, and even diamnonds are also to be found in this part of Montana.

Because of such an availability of gems to be found, there are many Mineral and Gem Clubs throughout the state.

The geology of Montana had a history of volcanic activity which is largely responsible for the wide variety of interesting rocks and minerals to be found here.

MADISON COUNTY

Madison County has some of the worlds best fly-fishing and endless other outdoor activities.

Close enough to Yellowstone National Park to visit, but far enough to be away from the crowds, this county has something for everybody during all seasons

throughout the year.

Amazing mountain views, spectacular trout fishing, and Cowboy Culture are just a few reasons to visit Madison Valley.

During the summer months, there are endless options for outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, biking, and kayaking.

The Big Sky Ski resort is an hour and half SE with all the winter activities.

Nearby Willow Creek Reservoir is a fishing access site that also has camping.

Fishing and boating may be enjoyed on the lake with a boat launch provided.

MADISON VALLEY

The Madison Valley where our claims are located, is an area rooted in farming and ranching with blue ribbon rivers, majestic mountain ranges, abundant wildlife, and small towns with rural values.

Lewis and Clark crossed this scenic valley of majestic mountain ranges and the fabled Madison River in 1805, but not until 1864, shortly after gold was first discovered in the valley, did Madison County become part of Montana Territory.

Today, rural and community values keep ranching as the main way of life in the Madison Valley. Through conservation, the Madison Valley has sustained productive agricultural land, healthy grasslands, and abundant wildlife.

In addition to its old west charm, the Madison Valley has arguably the most superb fly-fishing waters in all the world and the Madison River may be our most glorious. Meriwether Lewis named the river in 1805 after James Madison, who was the US Secretary of State at the time. Starting in Yellowstone National Park, the river is 183 miles of perfectly moving riffles that are teaming with trout.

Ennis is the base camp of the Madison Valley, a colorful town filled with fly anglers and ranchers,

Ennis sits on the banks of the Madison River and is surrounded by 3 mountain ranges.

BUYING PROCESS:

To purchase my claim, I would need how you want your name and mailing address on the contract, and which payment option you choose, where I would scan and email you a signed contract.

Total price of $3500, that can be paid in one full payment where your ownership is then transferred after receiving payment,

or $3500, paying $1750 first month, and $1750 2nd month,

or $3500, paying $1500 first month, $1000 2nd month, and $1000 3rd month,

or $3500, paying $700 per month for 5 months,

or $3500, paying $500 per month for 7 months.

A $199 deed processing fee is paid with final monthly payment.

After receiving your final payment, your ownership of the 20 acre claim will be legally recorded with the Montana Bureau of Land Management and the Madison County Recorder.

I am a retired teacher, and got into prospecting as a hobby with my family.

I am 74 and my wife 71, and we have gained the experience to select the best areas to locate claims.

TOBACCO ROOT MOUNTAINS

The Tobacco Root Mountains lie in the northern Rocky Mountains, between the Jefferson and Madison Rivers in southwest Montana.

The highest peak is Hollowtop at 10,604 feet (3,232 m). The range contains 43 peaks rising to elevations greater than 10,000 feet (3048 m).

Much of the central part of the range is within the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The range saw significant gold mining, especially during the 1880s to 1930s.

ENNIS LAKE

The lake is 5000 acres and is just north of the town of Ennis,

Its nearness to Yellowstone National Park makes Ennis Lake and its surrounding region a great home base from which to navigate a southwestern Montana vacation.

The depth of the 2.5-mile long lake ranges somewhere between 8 and 20 feet, and the water is warm and ideal for a variety of water sports like windsurfing.

Ennis Lake is for all seasons and draws in water-loving recreation enthusiasts, and in winter it is especially popular for ice skating and ice fishing.

BOZEMAN

Bozeman is called the most livable place for good reason.

Enjoy world-renowned fly fishing, dramatic mountains for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, skiing, hunting, and backcountry exploring, Yellowstone National Park, and impressive wildlife.

When you are ready for a more city experience, dive into Bozemans thriving arts and culture communities, ranging from main street festivals, farmers markets, cultural centers and museums to symphonies, theaters, and art galleries.

If within one year you are not satisfied with your claim, you can trade for another comparable claim, just paying the BLM and County transfer fees which will be about $125.

Claim buyer will also receive a new, free, Gold Panning Kit:

One 14 inch Gold Trap pan; One 10.5 inch Gravity Trap pan, One combination sifter/classifier with 7/16 of an inch exit holes, One Gold Guzzler snuffer bottle, One Tweezers/ Magnifying Glass combo tool.

Mining Claims as an investment: if you purchase a claim from us, at no charge, I would help you if you ever decided to sell in the future.

Mining Claims are a great investment, as claims go up in value over time, just as land does.

Gold and gems discovered in our own prospecting along with the beauty of the area, makes for awesome camping and prospecting.

Owning a mining claim is having access to a lifetime of great family fun and recreation, in a very beautiful, natural setting.

This is a 20 acre unpatented, gold mining placer claim, the Mill Creek Gold #7 with Mill Creek running all the way thru the claim, in the Tobacco Root Mountains that are part of the Rocky Mountains, and in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.

The claim is legally registered with the Montana Bureau of Land Management and the Madison County Recorder.

You own the mineral rights, not sharing with others, on the 20 acres, and use your 20 acres recreationally for camping and prospecting in an awesome, beautiful area.

For any building like a shed, you need to file a Plan of Operation with the BLM for approval. For anything to live in, you would need to file a Plan of Operation with the BLM for approval, and to be considered, you would need to have developed a full-time mining operation.

For the possibility of constructing any building you for others could live in, you need to file a Plan of Operation with the BLM for approval, showing you have developed a full-time operation performing diligent mining.

You do not need a plan, permission nor a permit to camp and prospect.

You do not need to be a full time prospector to file a Plan for a shed type structure.

With an approved BLM Plan of Operation, a building can be built on the land: any building that benefits and improves the claim.

As stated by the BLM, this can be the "construction of a building, road, fence, or enclosure necessary for mining."

Current usage, is what the BLM calls, Casual Use: panning, shovel, rock hammer, metal detector, creek powered sluice box, where no permission nor permit is needed to camp and prospect.

On our visits to the claim, we gathered in and around the creek, approx. 1/8 of an ounce of gold, being worth about $225. As the BLM does not specify the amount of gold to be found to locate a claim other than gold needs to be discovered, we use this amount for a 20 acre claim as a projection of good gold potential. Someone with more time may find more.

Gold prices are over $3000/ounce. Though we could never guarantee what you will find, we did locate this claim in an historically rich area for gold prospecting.

Gold in just this past year has gone up over $500 per ounce.

We also found some nice specimens of aquamarine and crystals on the claim.

You are allowed to post No Trespassing for Prospecting signs in and around the claim.

A mining claim owner may limit or restrict public recreational use of/or public access across claims or portions of claims that are actively used for prospecting, mining, or processing operations where public recreational use of a claim would endanger or materially interfere with legitimate mining pursuits.

Camp on your claim or area national forest campgrounds.

A claim owner does not need permission nor a permit to camp and prospect.

You can prospect as little or as much as you like.

Now that we have located the claim, you never have to declare to the BLM any gold or gems you find.

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20 acres = parcel size of 660 ft. x 1320 ft.

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This claim in this wonderful area has direct legal road access on a National Forest Road, with areas for camping, and gold and gems discovered in surface prospecting.

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BEAVERHEAD-DEERLODGE NATIONAL FOREST

Our claims are located in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.

The largest of the national forests in Montana, the Beaverhead-Deerlodge, covers 3.35 million acres and lies in eight Southwest Montana counties.

The forest provides timber, minerals, and grazing lands. It also offers breath-taking scenery for a wide variety of recreational pursuits.

Whether it's wilderness trekking in the Anaconda-Pintler or Lee Metcalf wildernesses, driving the Gravelly Range Road or Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway, or camping in one of the 50 small to medium-sized campgrounds in the forest, the Beaverhead-Deerlodge has it all.

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A transfer of ownership is a sale of legal, exclusive ownership of a mining claim site.

To be a legally recorded claim, a valuable mineral had to be found on the claim, which was completed by us, as we are the original claim locators.

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Your ownership is legally conveyed via a Quit Claim deed, and legally recorded with the Montana BLM and the Madison County Recorder. A Quit Claim deed is the required legal document per the BLM.

Each year, on or before September 1st, you need to file a simple form with the Bureau of Land Management, along with $200. You can also pay online with the BLM by credit card.

By doing this, you keep the claim forever.

I have paid the fee for the new claim year, not due again until September 1st, 2025.

You must be a current US citizen with a US address to own a mining claim in the US.

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An unpatented mining claim is a specific parcel of federal land, valuable for a specific mineral deposit or deposits. It is a parcel for which an individual has asserted a legal right of possession and the right to develop and extract a discovered, valuable, mineral deposit.

Mining claims are real property that you can buy, sell, or inherit.

After proving the existence of valuable minerals on the land, the claim is legally recorded with the Bureau of Land Management and Madison County.

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The Mill Creek Gold #7 is an unpatented, gold placer mining claim, ideally situated on Mill Creek, surrounded by beautiful Rocky Mountain ranges.

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Your 20 acres is the South 1/2 of the NW 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 8, Township 4 South, Range 3 West, Montana Meridian, known as the Mill Creek Gold #7 mining claim, in the Tobacco Root Mountains.

BLM claim number: MT106721873

Driving Directions:

11.5 miles east of the town of Sheridan.

Take Mill street east out of Sheridan,

Continue onto Mill Creek Road, the claim road.

Then using GPS coordinates below to the claim.

GPS Coordinates:

Mill Creek Gold #7

NW 45.4998, -111.9997

NE 45.4998, -111.9940

SW 45.4981, -111.9997

SE 45.4981, -111.9940

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The claim location monument has a 4 foot wooden post near the river, with copy of Location Notice attached, as required by the State of Montana.

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The creek on the claim is a unique advantage for gold prospecting.

Gold always occurs in gravels in the metallic state and when so found has various physical characteristics. Gold is dense and heavy, it has a characteristic metallic color, and it is soft and easily malleable (it is easily formed by hammering). These are the characteristics used by prospectors to identify gold in the field.

Placer gold occurs on the claim as small grains derived from gossan formed by weathering, and oxidation of the gold, copper and iron rich veins. Gold also occurs as grains flakes and small nuggets derived from the erosion of mineralized fault zones on, and upstream from the claim.

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Additional Features:

Year round Mill Creek on the claim for panning.

Fishing in the creek and area lakes.

Beautiful Rock specimens for you Rock Hounds

Located in one of the most beautiful mountain areas in the US.

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The Federal Government owns the land.

You are purchasing the mineral rights.

You own the mineral rights, including gold and gems on the claim, as real property, being the same legal ownership as for land and homes.

Prospect, explore, on the whole 20 acres.

You can camp on a claim while prospecting.

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BUYING PROCESS:

To purchase my claim, I would need how you want your name and mailing address on the contract, and which payment option you choose, where I would scan and email you a signed contract.

Total price of $3500, that can be paid in one full payment where your ownership is then transferred after receiving payment,

or $3500, paying $1750 first month, and $1750 2nd month,

or $3500, paying $1500 first month, $1000 2nd month, and $1000 3rd month,

or $3500, paying $700 per month for 5 months,

or $3500, paying $500 per month for 7 months.

A $199 deed processing fee is paid with final monthly payment.

After receiving your final payment, your ownership of the 20 acre claim will be legally recorded with the Montana Bureau of Land Management and the Madison County Recorder. The quit claim deed is the correct document to be recorded for a mining claim, as stated by the BLM.

This is not a sharing with others of your 20 acre claim.

We live in Ohio. Our connection to the West is our daughter lives in Denver, though she is not involved with our claims. We visited her in September, then went to prospect and locate mining claims in other states, including Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota, as we have been doing for a number of years.

And just a note of encouragement for you if purchase:

My wife and I have located, prospected on, and sold mining claims in

California, Colorado, Arizona, and now also Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota, for over 25 years.

You can trust we will process your notarized deeds correctly and quickly.

In that mining claims are processed thru the Bureau of Land Management, a Federal Govt. agency, not following thru per our legally signed contract, would be a federal crime. I certainly will do what I say, and would never put myself nor my wife in any legal jeopardy.

Also, we have sold properties on 3 sites online for over 25 years:

Landwatch, Landcom, and LandandFarm.

Our continued good status on these sites is due to our always following thru, as just one time we would not, we would not be allowed to sell on these sites ever again.

COMMENTS FROM SATISFIED CLAIM BUYERS:

"Living in Colorado, the purchase of our mining claim from you has been great for family fun and recreation. We have camped overnight a number of times, and panned for gold in the creek. We were even able to find gold flakes on several of our attempts. Thank you so much!."

I'm looking forward to having some time on the mining claim.

We used to go camping 4-6 weeks out of the year.

Even though I realize this is a retirement business for you. I wanted to say thank you for giving so many people over the years the opportunity to purchase your claims. I've seen them available for a long time, but never had the opportunity to purchase anything. They have probably brought many smiles to so many people. It will be the same for us.

"We purchased 2 mining claims from Michael Leu over the last 2 years, one in Montana, and one In Colorado. We have been to our claims on several occasions, and we could not be happier! They are exactly as described, and our camping on our claims and prospecting in the creek on each claim is the highlight of our vacations. You can trust Mr. Leu. If you are looking for a great time in the awesome beauty of the west, buying a mining claim from Mr. Leu will be a blessing."