As we look ahead to 2011, the federal government will allow the capital gains tax rate for individuals in the 28% Ordinary Income Tax Class or above, to increase from 15% to 20%, a 33.3% increase over 2010. Historically, rises in the capital gains tax rate have tended to slow economic growth and reinvestment. This condition is known as the “lock-in effect” where investors avoid taxation by holding appreciated assets.For ranch Sellers, one way to gain momentum before this occurs is to candidly look at the price points set on the property and offer a discount where appropriate. In order to be effective, this discount should be large enough to garner action within the first 90 days. If the timing of price reductions is delayed toward the end of the year it may force a Seller into further discounts and a negative “double dip” for resulting net proceeds due to the compounding of lower prices and higher gains tax. Buyers negotiating near year-end may try to discount the purchase price an additional 3-4% based upon the argument they will save the Seller the 5% tax increase by closing in 2010.

Bob Kiesling of Live Water Properties fished on the Restigouche River which forms the boundary between New Brunswick and Quebec during the last week of June.  With a drier and warmer spring, the number of Atlantic salmon making anadromous migratory runs was less than usual, but Bob enjoyed the thrilling moments of catching this adult Atlantic salmon which took about 20 minutes from hook to net.

Brady Nelson, son of Live Water Properties agent, Robb Nelson, was filmed during a hunt for Hunter’s Specialties in Nebraska in early May.  Brady was a natural on camera and got his trophy Tom with one shot.  Way to go Brady!

The 2010 Celebrity Hunt for a Cure will be held October 1st to 3rd at Cheyenne Ridge Signature Lodge in Pierre, South Dakota!  This premium lodge is located in South Dakota’s prime pheasant hunting belt… which is to say the best pheasant hunting on the North American continent.  Located near the shores of Lake Oahe, the Signature Lodge features the finest rooms and suites and is equipped to provide the ultimate hunting experience, as well as world-class smallmouth and walleye fishing, and championship links golf at Sutton Bay.  The luxurious amenities include a cigar/cognac “ice bar,” complete workout facilities and hand detailed massage rooms, a large sauna and hot tub, theater and “game and game” room, a themed library, separate conference facilities, Beretta guns and pro shop, and an all-weather enclosed 5 Stand clays layout.  The weekend will include two days of morning and afternoon bird hunting and clay shooting, evening festivities with entertainment and both live and silent auctions, meals prepared by an incredible culinary staff, first-class accommodations at one of the country’s finest lodges, and a chance to enjoy the great outdoors and change the lives of kids with special needs in the process.

In addition to funding our traditional beneficiaries, Hunter’s Dream is proudly directing one-half of the proceeds from the event to Children’s Care Hospital and School of South Dakota, with campuses in Sioux Falls and Rapid City.  We invite you to join our celebrity guests and be part of the extraordinary weekend.  This is an opportunity for all of our friends and sponsors to experience the best pheasant hunting in the country and a tremendous lodge with luxurious accommodations.

Live Water Properties announces it newest listing in Toponas, Colorado - Egeria Creek Ranch.  Located in northwest Colorado, less than 45 minutes south of Steamboat Springs, the property is set in the picturesque Yampa Valley.  With 8,818 acres, this one-of-a-kind property is adjacent to the White River National Forest and is home to the White River Elk herd that is 40,000 strong and the largest in North America. Upland birds can also be found on the ranch including Blue grouse, Sharptail grouse, ducks and geese.  The Egeria Creek Ranch is also known for its extensive cattle operation.  A rancher’s dream, the property is equipped with livestock facilities in addition to stack yards and fencing.  Cattle can graze on the ranch or on over 100,000 acres of neighboring leased national forest.  The Egeria Creek Ranch also boasts a productive hay operation averaging 1,500 tons of mountain grass per season. This Colorado ranch for sale is vast and offers an incoming landowner a flourishing hay and cattle operation, plus the sporting lifestyle with extensive resident wildlife, bountiful water rights and dramatic views. Offering price is $21,900,000, reduced from $29,500,000.

Fully renovated, it has four bedrooms, each with a private bath, kitchen and several fireplaces throughout.  The river house is ideal for guest quarters or an owner retreat.  The Mountain Spirit Lodge is a sportsman’s paradise wonderfully suited for families, corporations or anyone looking for a majestic getaway.  Offering price is $5,900,000.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is planning to offer the first lease for geothermal development in Colorado on February 11th.  The offer would include 800 acres in the Chalk Creek Valley.  The local reaction is filled with mixed reviews.  To read more on the upcoming auction, click here to view the entire article from the Denver Post.