Things to Do at the British Ranch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There's plenty for you to do during your stay on the ranch, even if you never leave!  Well, with 3,000 acres at your disposal, your choices are limited only by your imagination!

Click any photo to enlarge.

Horseback riding - You provide your own horse.  We have incredibly varied terrain on the ranch for you and your horse to explore.  From pens down at the home place for a little warm up, to wide open hill tops where you can see for literally miles.  In between, there's Deep Creek (very easily crossed), heavy timber, countless little springs and streams, rugged terrain, smooth terrain; you name it, you can probably find it here.

Hiking - The same goes for those of you vacationing without horses, or horse people giving your mounts a break.  There is plenty of hiking to challenge all levels.  We have relatively flat areas along Deep Creek that make for an easy stroll while still offering plenty of wildlife  The hill tops are pretty level too.  Those wanting more of a challenge can climb up top and explore the deep draws.  You can find places you couldn't take anything with wheels and I wouldn't ride a horse (Think "Man From Snowy River").  There are multitudes of pretty places to discover down in the draws.  Click the link to see Sycamore Falls, one of our personal favorites!

Fishing & Hunting- There are all sorts of small fish in Deep Creek (right behind the ranch house!) including Shiners, catfish, chubs, crayfish etc.  Bring seining nets, buckets, etc. for the kids so they can explore the stream wildlife.  For more serious fishermen, we have several stocked ponds on our home ranch.  Talk to us about catch & release fishing or keeping your catch.  Any :"real" fishing does require a state license however.

     Hunting is currently available through Prairieland Outfitters, a licensed guiding service.  Please contact them and ask about hunting whitetail deer and turkey on the British.

Wildlife & Bird Watching - We have seen quail, pheasant, turkeys, beaver, muskrat, prairie chickens, deer, coyote, foxes, bobcats, badgers and even a bull elk (only once though).  There are countless birds to identify and add to your life list too.  The Greater Prairie Chicken is of particular interest in the area.  Kansas is a MAJOR flyway for great numbers of migratory birds increasing your chances of seeing rare species.  We have copies of some of the more common bird identification books for those of you with an interest.
Star Gazing - Bring your telescope and see things you can't see when you live in or near even a small city.  Without the interference of light pollution, the star gazing is incredible.  Even with just the naked eye, you can see amazing detail; even satellites!  Lay on a blanket in the backyard or on a hilltop and drink in the vastness of the prairie sky.
Wildflowers and Prairie Ecosystem Exploration - As mentioned before, the Tall Grass Prairie is a rare ecosystem whose importance to us all is only now being fully appreciated.  There are ALWAYS several flowers in bloom during the growing season.  Again, we have guidebooks on hand so that you can learn to identify the beautiful flowers and grasses for yourself.  This photo is Bee Balm.  Here is a link to a very complete site about KS wildflowers & grasses.
Cattle - While we do not offer any formal activities, a good part of our cows & calves graze the British Ranch during the spring, summer and fall.  If we have something planned. like rotating pastures, putting out mineral, gathering calves, etc., we'll be sure to let you know and you can join in if you like.  There's always the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Cattle Drive too.  Held on Saturday of the Memorial Day weekend, this event involves moving the DRI cowherd from our Wabaunsee County ranch to the British Ranch.  A fun event that raises money for a very worthy cause.  If you're interested, reserve early!

The British Ranch, part of the family ranching operations of:

Downey Ranch, Inc.

Joe Carpenter & Barb Downey, Managing Partners

38703 Wabaunsee Rd.

Wamego, KS  66547-8918

downeyranch@wamego.net