Lovejoy Ranch
Lovejoy Ranch is a sixth-generation working cattle ranch owned and operated by Bob and Jody Dexter. The 6500-acre property is nestled in the north-central region of the unique grass-covered dunes of the Sandhills, just a short 20-minute drive to Valentine, Nebraska.
Cattle grazing through proper grass management provide wildlife a perfect habitat. Whitetail and mule deer can be found across the ranch in the hills and around the tree claim shelterbelts. The Evergreen Creek flows East through the land providing water to various ponds creating a natural environment for waterfowl. In the early mornings, you can count on hearing the rooster pheasants chatter and take off in flight as ranch chores begin, while turkeys leave their roosts and begin their day. When moving cattle through their pasture rotations you are sure to have a flock of prairie chickens and sharptail grouse take flight under your horse’s belly. El Lake, the beginning of the Evergreen creek, is a small lake stocked with an abundance of bass, northern pike, and bluegill.
The Ranch has RV and tent camping available, but hotel lodging is available in a short drive. Valentine is a small town at the junction of two major US Highways, 20 and 83. You can find just about anything you need here— there are two gun stores, a bait shop, a grocery store, etc.
Although we don't have a minimum for days booked in a trip, we highly recommend booking multiple days to take full advantage of what our ranch can offer! Our family has had great success hunting the ranch and we look forward to sharing this with other sportsmen!
2022 Spring turkey season is upon us. Contact us for special consideration for youth sportsmen.
Fall Youth Archery and Shotgun Sept. 15, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023
Fall Archery and Shotgun Sept. 15, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023
Spring Youth Archery March 25 – May 31, 2022
Spring Archery March 25 – May 31, 2022
Spring Youth Shotgun April 9 – May 31, 2022
Spring Shotgun April 16 – May 31, 2022
Fall Archery and Shotgun Sept. 15, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023
2022 Deer Season
Archery Deer: September 1 – December 31, 2022
Firearm Deer: November 12 - 20, 2022
Muzzleloader: December 1 - 31, 2022
Antlerless late season: January 1, 2023-January 15, 2023
Available Activities
RV/Motorhome Details
Property Details & Ground Rules
- Check In: After 6:00 AM
- Check Out: Before 9:00 PM
- Nearby Interstate: No
- Nearby Highway: No
- Nearby Airport: N/A
- Campfires: Allowed
- Pets: Allowed on property
- ATV's: Allowed
- Parking: Yes
- Vehicles: 2 Allowed
- Drive-in Access: Yes
- Walk-in Access: Yes
- Guests: 3 Allowed
Landowner Rules: Everything that is brought in with you must go out. Always shut the gates. This is a working cattle ranch, please be mindful of the livestock and horses.
Cancellation Policy: Refunds are only available within 48 hours of the landowner accepting your booking request.
Reviews (7)
5.0Had a great trip. The Sandhills in spring are spectacular and so is the ranch. Jody showed me around the property and I started my hunt. Didn't harvest a bird but had a really nice opportunity but he snuck up behind me. So goes turkey hunting? I really enjoyed watching all the wildlife. Turks, grouse, phez, deer etc... Communication with Jody was easy. I really hope to get back up there this fall.
Reviewed by Guest on May 2022We had a blast my son Cole 7years old and I both harvested a gobbler our first Merriam gobbler ! Jody and her husband were very friendly and showed us around ! We were very thankful to be about to lease their land ? It was a once in a lifetime trip for my son and me ! We will have those memories for a lifetime!
Reviewed by Guest on May 2022- JSJohn S
I went to the Lovejoy Ranch on a turkey hunt and Jody and Bob were awesome hosts. Bob showed me where the birds travel through and where they are roosting. The ranch was awesome and had an excellent population of birds. I was able to tag one the first day. I'm definitely coming back next year.
Reviewed by Guest on May 2022 Jody and Bob were great! Very friendly and welcoming having us on their ranch. They showed us where we could camp and talked with us about what we were seeing. Showed us boundary lines and checked in with us to see if we needed anything. Would definitely recommend taking a look at the ranch and hope to return in the future!
Reviewed by Guest on October 2021- JSJoe S
"Bob and Jody are great folks and Lovejoy Ranch is a piece of heaven. Bob showed me around the ranch and went into pretty good detail on how to hunt the ranch and showing me boundaries. Jody was excellent host and communications were excellent. Both made me feel right at home and I made new friends that will always be special to me. The property has good herd of whitetail and mule deer with some exceptional animals. I also saw upland birds, turkeys, and lots of waterfowl flying overhead. The hunt is by no means easy but if you are determined, put in the effort and be patient you can no doubt be successful here. I plan on coming back. Great ranch and even greater people. A+++++++++++"
Reviewed by Guest on November 2021 - NBNolan B
The Lovejoy ranch is a fantastic location for birding and observing unique species. Some species seen include unlikely finds like a female sharptailed grouse with seven chicks, and a nesting colony of black terns. The area houses wetlands, small forests, and mixed grass prairie. We had the property mostly to ourselves allowing for peaceful observation of species. One of the best birding experiences I have had in the region. Would definitely recommend it to any birder looking for a different and personal birding experience.
Reviewed by Guest on July 2021