I recently inherited Oil and Mineral rights in Montana for Wheatland county from my grandmother, I was wondering if anyone could give me insight on the area and any direction? I do not plan to sell, lease if anything.
I have the indenture with all the information.
50% of all Minerals
It is all in section 10, township 8, north of range 13, east of the montana meridian
Thanks
Matt:
I am not familiar with the area around Wheatland County in regards to oil and gas production but I'm guessing that little to no oil and gas related activity is presently occuring in the area. As you know, the majority of the activity is centered around the Eastern part of Montana but some activity is slowly progressing to the West as different formations are targeted for possible development. My advice is keep tabs on the drilling activity as several years down the road, this area could become active. Make sure that the minerals are properly recorded at the County Clerks office as this is how landmen makes leasing contacts. Your decision not to sell is very wise in my opinion.
Thank you for the quick reply! Yea I noticed their was not much activity, but I searched the montana oil and gas production site and it appears they have created many wells in Wheatland that have already been capped, I could be reading them wrong though? I called the county clerk office and they told me I was unable to update my contact information? They said something about having the papers sent in? Have you heard about this?
How Do i know how many acres I possess?
on the indenture it says these for the locations all in section 10,
(NE1/4 of NW1/4) (SW1/4 of NE1/4) (SE1/4 of NE1/4) (N1/2 of SE1/4) and (SE1/4 of SE1/4)
Matt:
I will guess that you don't live near the mineral area. My suggestion will be to hire some legal assistence to properly file your paperwork. You might try contacting the city where the county seat is located and research some attorney contacts. Be sure to contact an idividual with oil and gas experience. I had to do the same thing back in 2004 for my mineral recording. Your number of acres should be reflected on the paperwork (mineral deeds, etc.).
Matt said:
Thank you for the quick reply! Yea I noticed their was not much activity, but I searched the montana oil and gas production site and it appears they have created many wells in Wheatland that have already been capped, I could be reading them wrong though? I called the county clerk office and they told me I was unable to update my contact information? They said something about having the papers sent in? Have you heard about this?
How Do i know how many acres I possess?
on the indenture it says these for the locations all in section 10,
(NE1/4 of NW1/4) (SW1/4 of NE1/4) (SE1/4 of NE1/4) (N1/2 of SE1/4) and (SE1/4 of SE1/4)
Assuming that the instrument in which you acquired your mineral interest was correct. (just because it says you own 50% of all minerals described doesnt make it true)
note: numbers below are based on a standard 640 section, if it is a fractional section the numbers would be decreased.
(NE1/4 of NW1/4) (SW1/4 of NE1/4) (SE1/4 of NE1/4) (N1/2 of SE1/4) and (SE1/4 of SE1/4)
40ac + 40ac + 40ac + 80ac + 40ac = 240ac / 2 = 120
Another thing to note is that even if you do actually own 120 net mineral acres you might not own the entire 8/8 of royalty thereof. Just as the minerals can be severed from the surface, the royalty can be severed from the minerals.
If you want to be sure hire a landman to research the lands described and provide you with an abstract of the property.
Hope this helps.
Matt said:
Thank you for the quick reply! Yea I noticed their was not much activity, but I searched the montana oil and gas production site and it appears they have created many wells in Wheatland that have already been capped, I could be reading them wrong though? I called the county clerk office and they told me I was unable to update my contact information? They said something about having the papers sent in? Have you heard about this?
How Do i know how many acres I possess?
on the indenture it says these for the locations all in section 10,
(NE1/4 of NW1/4) (SW1/4 of NE1/4) (SE1/4 of NE1/4) (N1/2 of SE1/4) and (SE1/4 of SE1/4)