Landowner Spotlight: Cold River Cattle Company with Riley Pitman

Nestled in the Oxford County foothills along the Maine–New Hampshire border, Cold River Cattle Company is a working Angus cattle farm with 600 acres of history, habitat, and opportunity. For fourth-generation farmer and rancher Riley Pitman, the land is more than just a livelihood — it’s a legacy passed down since 1948, blending agricultural tradition with outdoor adventure.

A Heritage of Stewardship

Riley’s great-grandfather purchased the property nearly 80 years ago, and since then, it’s remained in the family’s care. Originally a dairy farm until 2019, Riley and his family transitioned to beef production while maintaining hay operations that support both their herd and local horse clients. “We do around 10 to 15,000 squares, another 600 rounds, and then I help a neighboring farm with row crops,” Riley explained. The farm is surrounded by potato ground, corn rotations, and timber operations that define the region’s agricultural landscape.

When Riley’s father passed, he stepped fully into the operation — but his ties to the land run much deeper. After studying dairy science at South Dakota State University (and bringing his Brittany Spaniel bird dog along for pheasant hunts), Riley came home to continue the family tradition.

From Poaching to Partnership

Like many landowners, Riley faced challenges managing hunting access on his property. “We’ve always had a lot of people that come and like to hunt. Unfortunately, we ran into some issues with poaching down front,” he shared. The first year he closed access, 54 people stopped by hoping to use the land.

That overwhelming pressure led Riley to LandTrust. “It’s just a really nice way to kind of control who’s down there and get to meet the people. Everybody’s been awesome so far,” he said. With LandTrust, he’s able to protect his land, ease the pressure on wildlife, and still welcome respectful hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

Outdoor Opportunities at Cold River

The 600-acre property offers an incredible mix of hunting, fishing, and recreation. Early guests have already found success: spring turkey hunters tagged birds on both sides of the state line within hours. This fall, Riley looks forward to hosting bear hunts, while his personal passion remains bird hunting — especially for woodcock.

“Our property down front is really nice with a bunch of alder trees and wetland stuff, so it really supports woodcock,” Riley said. For him, upland hunting has always been a family tradition, passed down through generations of Brittany Spaniels.

Beyond hunting, the Cold River runs through the property, offering trout fishing in June through late summer. Guests can also enjoy horseback riding along snowmobile trails, back roads, and open fields, taking in sweeping views of the foothills.

Welcoming the Right Guests

When asked what kind of guests he hopes to host, Riley kept it simple: “Down-to-earth guys, just like hunting. Looking for birds, turkeys, or a good time outdoors.” While LandTrust is all about DIY experiences, Riley is happy to share where he’s seen turkeys or point out good spots along the river — blending hospitality with independence.

Advice for Other Landowners

For landowners considering LandTrust, Riley’s advice is straightforward: “I’d definitely do it. I wouldn’t be afraid of it. You guys were really great about setting everything up. It’s been really easy, the people have been great, and working with you guys has been great too.”

Experience Cold River Cattle Company

Cold River Cattle Company offers guests a chance to experience the best of New England’s outdoors while supporting a working farm with deep roots in the community. Whether it’s chasing gobblers across the state line, casting for trout in the Cold River, or walking Brittanys through alder thickets in search of woodcock, Riley’s property provides an authentic connection to land, legacy, and adventure.

👉 Ready to book your next outdoor experience? Explore Cold River Cattle Company on LandTrust

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