North Creek Ranch
North Creek Ranch is more than land, it's a legacy. For five generations, our family has worked the same Sandhills pastures, raising cattle and preserving a way of life that began over a century ago.
John's great-great-grandfather, Joe Minor, started the ranch in the early 1900s. What began as a small Hereford herd has evolved into the operation it is today. Over the past 120 years, the ranch has grown to over 40,000 acres of rolling grasslands. Along with our black angus cattle, the ranch is home to an expanse of wildlife. Mule deer, whitetail deer, turkey, upland game birds, coyotes, bobcats, bald and golden eagles, and elk roam throughout the land. Our privately owned herd of over 200 bison roam here as well, a living reminder of the Great Plains' untamed past.
In the 1870s, Buffalo Bill Cody and Frank North ran a cattle outfit of more than 17,000 head across much of the ground we steward today. Their wranglers stayed in a lodge along the Dismal River, on what is now one of our pastures. Years later, the historic lodge was donated to the Cody Museum in North Platte, where it still stands as a piece of Western history.
Today, the ranch remains rooted in its heritage while continuing to thrive as a working cattle operation. Just south of Mullen, a town of 450, and within a half day's drive of Denver and Omaha, North Creek Ranch stands as a testament to grit, stewardship and five generations of ranching in the heart of the Nebraska Sandhills.
North Creek Ranch Owners
John Howell
Owner and Professional Hunting Guide
Born and raised on his family ranch in the Nebraska Sandhills, John grew up with a deep love for the outdoors. Whether he was working cattle, hunting with a rifle or bow, fishing the rivers or training for sports, John learned early on the values of hard work, grit and determination.
A standout in both football and wrestling at Mullen High School, John went on to be a two-time all-conference safety at Colorado State University. In 2001, he was drafted in the 4th round of the by Tony Dungy and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played four seasons with the Bucs, earning a Super Bowl Championship ring in 2003; and two seasons with the Seattle Seahawks.
John retired from the NFL in 2006 and returned to his roots on the family ranch. For over two decades, he has managed every aspect of the business and guided hunters from across the country.
Brad Evans
Owner and Chief Financial Officer
Brad brings both business experience and a deep love of the outdoors to North Creek Ranch. For over 25 years, he has owned and operated small businesses, honing the skills of leadership, hard work and building strong relationships - all qualities he now carries into his role at North Creek Ranch.
Brad and his two sons have been hunting along the Dismal River with John for many years, creating memories through hunting and shooting sports. Those experiences led him to join the North Creek Ranch team as co-owner and Chief Financial Officer.
For Brad, hunting is about more than the harvest; it's about time shared in the field with family and friends. He enjoys being part of the tight knit North Creek Ranch team and helping others experience the rugged beauty of the Nebraska Sandhills along with the challenge of the hunt.
North Creek Ranch Team
Colton Micheel
Ranch Foreman & Guide
Colton has been guiding hunts professionally since 2017, but his passion for the outdoors started long before that.
Growing up hunting alongside his dad, he learned the art of coyote calling at an early age.
Some of his most memorable adventures include harvesting a bull elk for himself and his dad in Nebraska and hunting blacktail deer and sea ducks on Kodiak Island.
Anthony Vargas
Chef
Chef Anthony Vargas brings more than two decades of culinary expertise to North Creek Ranch. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Scottsdale, Arizona, he honed his craft at Ocean Prime and Vogue Bistro before his executive chef role at Salty Seniorita's.
In 2017, he became the executive chef at the Dismal River Club where he discovered his passion for preparing wild game. Today, he specializes in showcasing meat harvested on the ranch.
Le Anderson
Butcher & Guide
Le has spent a lifetime hunting everything from coyotes to deer, first alongside his father and now with his son.
As the ranch butcher, he processes big game and ranch-raised beef, ensuring clients take home the highest quality cuts. Beyond the butcher block, he also guides hunters visiting the ranch.
An outdoorsman, Le's always chasing the next adventure with his family by his side.