Inherited Mineral Rights in Sheridan County, Wyoming
If you inherited mineral rights in Sheridan County, Wyoming, you likely own oil, gas, or coalbed methane interests in one of the most active energy regions in northern Wyoming. Many families inherit mineral rights here without realizing what they have, where the minerals are located, or what options they have going forward.
Sheridan County sits along the northern portion of the Powder River Basin, an area with a long history of coal, coalbed methane, and oil and gas development. That means inherited mineral rights in this county can carry real value, especially if the interest is producing or located near active drilling.
This page explains how inherited mineral rights work specifically in Sheridan County, how to confirm what you own, how value is typically determined, and when selling inherited mineral rights might make sense.
What Are Inherited Mineral Rights in Sheridan County?
Inherited mineral rights in Sheridan County are ownership interests in subsurface minerals that pass to heirs through an estate. These minerals most commonly include:
Oil and natural gas
Coalbed methane
In some cases, other associated hydrocarbons
Most mineral rights in this county are separate from surface ownership. That means you can inherit mineral rights in Sheridan County without owning any land in Wyoming.
Many heirs first learn about these rights when:
Royalty checks start arriving
An operator sends paperwork
A buyer contacts them with an offer
Why Sheridan County Is Unique
Sheridan County is part of the Powder River Basin, one of the most important energy basins in the western United States.
Key characteristics:
Located in northern Wyoming near the Montana border
Long history of coal and coalbed methane production
Ongoing oil and gas development
High concentration of fractional mineral ownership due to long ownership chains
Major formations in the area include:
Turner
Niobrara
Parkman
Mowry
Frontier
Sussex
Operators active in the broader basin have included:
EOG Resources
Continental Resources
Devon Energy
Chesapeake
Occidental
Various private operators
Because of this long development history, mineral ownership in Sheridan County is often fragmented across many heirs and generations.
How to Confirm What You Own in Sheridan County
Before making any decisions, it is critical to confirm exactly what you inherited.
Step 1: Identify the county
All official mineral ownership records for Sheridan County are maintained by the Sheridan County Clerk.
Step 2: Find the legal description
Mineral rights in Wyoming are usually described using:
Township
Range
Section
This information is found on deeds, division orders, or older lease documents.
Step 3: Determine if the interest is producing
If you receive royalty checks, the interest is producing. If not, it may still have value, especially if there is nearby drilling or permitting activity.
Step 4: Confirm title
Ownership is determined by county records, not family assumptions. Many inherited mineral rights in Sheridan County have never been formally transferred on record after multiple deaths.
Do You Need Probate to Sell Inherited Mineral Rights in Wyoming?
In most cases, yes.
To sell inherited mineral rights in Campbell County, buyers usually require:
Probate of the prior owner’s estate
Or transfer through a trust
Or recorded estate documents
If multiple heirs exist, all parties must usually agree and sign.
Clear title directly affects:
Whether a buyer will proceed
How long the transaction takes
The final value of the offer
How Inherited Mineral Rights Are Valued in Sheridan County
There is no fixed price per acre. Value depends on several county-specific factors.
The biggest value drivers
1) Producing vs non-producing
Producing mineral rights are usually valued based on cash flow. Non-producing rights are valued based on development potential.
2) Location within the county
Not all parts of Sheridan County are equal. Proximity to active wells and horizontal drilling matters.
3) Formation depth and target zone
Different formations carry different development risks and economics.
4) Operator activity
Permits, drilling plans, and nearby wells often matter more than commodity prices.
5) Your exact interest size
Most inherited mineral rights are fractional. Small interests can still be meaningful, but must be measured precisely.
Lease vs Sell in Sheridan County
Common Issues for Sheridan County Heirs
Inherited mineral rights in this county often come with specific problems:
Ownership spread across many heirs
Missing probate records
Outdated deeds
Confusion over coal vs oil and gas rights
Royalty suspensions due to title gaps
These issues are common and fixable, but ignoring them usually reduces value over time.
Sheridan County and the Powder River Basin
Sheridan County is part of the Powder River Basin. Each county page links back to the basin page, and the basin page links to all counties inside it.
You can view the basin overview here:
FAQ Sheridan County
How do I know if I inherited mineral rights in Sheridan County, Wyoming?
Check estate documents, wills, or probate records for any mention of mineral interests. You can also visit the Sheridan County Clerk and Recorder to search for recorded deeds or mineral separations tied to your family's land.
Are inherited mineral rights in Sheridan County worth anything if no wells are producing?
Yes. Sheridan County sits in the heart of the Powder River Basin and has a long history of both conventional oil production and coalbed methane development. Non-producing inherited mineral rights can still hold significant value if they are near active spacing units or in formations where future drilling is likely.
Do I need probate to sell mineral rights in Sheridan County?
In most cases, yes. Wyoming buyers typically require clear title before completing a purchase. If the previous owner passed away and the minerals were not formally transferred to your name, probate or an affidavit of heirship is usually required.
What formations are active in Sheridan County?
Key formations in and around Sheridan County include the Turner, Parkman, Frontier, Niobrara, Mowry, and Fort Union coals. The county has seen both conventional oil production and significant coalbed methane activity over the decades.
Should I lease or sell my inherited mineral rights in Sheridan County?
Leasing keeps ownership and generates income over time but comes with price volatility. Selling provides a lump sum and removes ongoing management. For smaller or fragmented inherited mineral rights, selling is often a practical way to simplify an estate.