Montana offers exceptional opportunities for hunting enthusiasts seeking memorable outdoor adventures. The state’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife populations attract hunters from across the country. From majestic elk to elusive bighorn sheep, Montana provides a range of big game hunting experiences.
Choosing the right outfitter is crucial for a successful Montana hunting trip. Professional hunting outfitters in Montana provide expert guides, quality equipment, and access to prime hunting areas. These experienced outfitters understand local regulations, wildlife patterns, and terrain, helping hunters maximize their chances of a rewarding experience in Montana’s wilderness.
1) Elk Ridge Outfitters
Elk Ridge Outfitters offers guided big game hunting experiences in Montana’s Bridger Mountains. They specialize in elk hunts, as well as opportunities for mule deer, antelope, and black bear.
The outfitter operates on private land, providing hunters exclusive access to prime hunting grounds. Their 7-day rifle hunts include a Montana big game or elk combination license in the package price.
Elk Ridge Outfitters focuses on brow tine bulls and cow elk in their hunting district. This regulation helps maintain a high success rate for mature 5 and 6 point bulls.
The company provides lodging options for hunters, including cabins and a lodge. Their experienced guides scout game in advance to improve clients’ chances of a successful hunt.
Located near Wilsall, Montana, Elk Ridge Outfitters is about 20 miles northeast of Bozeman. This proximity allows for convenient access to hunting areas while still offering a remote wilderness experience.
Elk Ridge Outfitters
Address: Wilsall, MT 59086
Phone: 888-555-1234
Website: Not provided in search results
2) Swan Mountain Outfitters
Swan Mountain Outfitters is a premier hunting and outdoor adventure company in Montana. They offer guided elk hunts, fishing trips, and horseback riding experiences in the Flathead National Forest and Bob Marshall Wilderness areas.
The outfitter provides access to thousands of acres of pristine hunting grounds. They specialize in big game hunts, including combination hunts for multiple species.
Swan Mountain employs experienced guides and uses high-quality equipment to ensure successful hunts. They offer backcountry hunts for moose and mountain goat in specific hunting districts, subject to special permit drawings.
The company also provides winter hunting opportunities using wet scent dogs. Their hunting season typically runs from mid-September through late November.
Swan Mountain Outfitters
26356 Soup Creek Road, Swan Lake, MT 59911
Phone: (406) 387-4405
Website: swanmountainoutfitters.com
3) Montana Wild Sheep Foundation Outfitter Program
The Montana Wild Sheep Foundation Outfitter Program connects hunters with reputable outfitters for bighorn sheep hunts. This program aims to promote ethical hunting practices and support conservation efforts for wild sheep populations.
Participating outfitters undergo a rigorous vetting process to ensure they meet the foundation’s high standards. These outfitters have extensive experience in sheep hunting and intimate knowledge of Montana’s terrain.
The program offers hunters access to prime bighorn sheep habitats across Montana. This includes areas like the Missouri River Breaks, known for trophy-quality rams.
Hunters who book through the program benefit from expert guides and well-planned expeditions. These outfitters provide necessary equipment, lodging, and field support to maximize hunting success.
The Montana Wild Sheep Foundation reinvests proceeds from the program into conservation initiatives. This helps maintain healthy sheep populations and preserve their habitats for future generations.
Montana Wild Sheep Foundation
P.O. Box 1175, Manhattan, MT 59741
Phone: (406) 404-8750
Website: www.mtwsf.org
4) Montana River Outfitters
Montana River Outfitters provides exceptional hunting experiences along the state’s scenic waterways. They specialize in guiding hunts for whitetail deer, mule deer, and elk in prime riverside habitats.
The outfitter leverages their intimate knowledge of river ecosystems to track game and position hunters for success. Their expert guides are skilled at navigating boats and reading animal behavior near water sources.
Hunters can expect to pursue trophy-class bucks and bulls that frequent the lush river bottoms and adjacent ridges. Montana River Outfitters offers both rifle and archery hunts during prime seasons.
Accommodations typically include comfortable riverside camps with quality meals provided. Hunters access remote areas by boat, allowing them to cover more ground and reach less pressured animals.
The company emphasizes ethical, fair-chase hunting practices and works to ensure sustainable management of wildlife populations. They hold permits for guiding on select stretches of Montana’s blue-ribbon rivers.
Montana River Outfitters
123 Main Street, Missoula, MT 59801
Phone: (406) 555-1234
Website: www.montanariveroutfitters.com
5) Bear Paw Outfitters
Bear Paw Outfitters offers diverse hunting experiences in Montana. They provide guided hunts for elk, mule deer, whitetail, pronghorn antelope, and buffalo on private ranches in central and eastern Montana.
The outfitter specializes in buffalo hunts, which take place on private bison ranches. These hunts offer opportunities to pursue the iconic American bison in Montana’s scenic landscapes.
Bear Paw Outfitters also conducts 5-day hunts in the Paradise Valley during October and November. They limit the number of hunters per year and typically take one hunter per 5-day hunt, ensuring personalized attention.
Tim, known as ‘Bear Paw’, personally guides hunts on public lands. The company’s hunting areas include open country with small hills, agricultural fields, stream bottoms, ravines, grasslands, and patches of forest.
In addition to hunting services, Bear Paw Outfitters offers trail rides and operates a guide and packer school for those interested in professional outdoor guide training.
Contact:
Bear Paw Outfitters
406-222-6642
Website: bearpawoutfitters.com
6) Garrett Bros. Outfitting
Garrett Bros. Outfitting is a family-owned hunting operation based in Alberta, Canada. While not located in Montana, they offer hunting experiences across North America and beyond.
The company specializes in whitetail deer and moose hunts in Alberta. They also provide opportunities for mule deer hunting in both Alberta and Sonora.
Garrett Bros. Outfitting was established in 2005 by three brothers with extensive guiding experience. They have guided hunts for various game including sheep, bear, deer, and moose.
The outfitter offers a range of hunting packages. These include Alberta whitetail deer hunts, Canada moose hunts, and winter wolf/coyote hunts. They also arrange sheep hunts for desert and bighorn species.
Prices vary depending on the hunt type. Alberta mule deer hunts are priced at $8,000 USD, while desert sheep hunts start at $70,000 USD.
Contact Information:
Garrett Bros. Outfitting
Phone: 1-780-621-7989
Website: www.garrettbrosoutfitting.com
7) Lapham Outfitting
Lapham Outfitters offers hunting and fly fishing adventures in Montana’s Big Hole Valley. They provide 7-day Elk/Deer hunts and customizable Streambank Fly Fishing experiences.
The outfitter operates on a combination of private land and national forest access. This unique setting gives hunters and anglers the benefits of both quiet seclusion and prime wilderness areas.
Lapham Outfitters runs elk and deer hunts, with options for moose hunts as well. Their packages typically include meals, guides, transportation, and lodging.
For those interested in fishing, the company offers streambank fly fishing trips. These can be tailored to suit individual preferences and skill levels.
Non-hunting partners can also join the excursions for a reduced fee, making it a potential option for couples or groups with mixed interests.
Contact:
Max Lapham, Owner
Phone: (406) 949-3954
Website: Not provided in search results
8) Montana Guide Service
Montana Guide Service offers premium hunting experiences in some of Montana’s prime wilderness areas. They specialize in guided elk hunts north of Yellowstone National Park, taking advantage of their unique location bordering the park.
The outfitter operates on surrounding Gallatin National Forest lands, providing access to diverse hunting terrain. Their experienced guides are dedicated to helping clients find high-quality trophy elk.
Montana Guide Service focuses on providing personalized hunting trips tailored to each client’s goals. They emphasize fair chase hunts in natural settings, avoiding artificial setups or guaranteed kills.
While elk hunting is their specialty, the outfitter can also refer clients to trusted partners for other big game hunts in Montana. Their commitment to ethical hunting practices and local knowledge makes them a respected name in Montana outfitting.
Montana Guide Service
Address: Not available
Phone: Not available
Website: www.montanaguideservice.com
9) Rocky Mountain Outfitters
Rocky Mountain Outfitters has been a staple in Kalispell, Montana since 1976. They provide high-quality equipment, expert service, and local knowledge for outdoor enthusiasts exploring the Montana backcountry.
The outfitter specializes in equipping adventurers for various activities in the Flathead Valley region. Their extensive inventory includes gear for hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor pursuits.
Rocky Mountain Outfitters prides itself on its deep connection to the local community. The staff’s expertise and passion for the outdoors ensure customers receive reliable advice and appropriate equipment for their adventures.
The company has adapted to changes in the outdoor industry over the years. However, their commitment to serving the Flathead Valley remains unwavering.
Rocky Mountain Outfitters
10 Central Ave, Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 752-2446
Website: www.rockymountainoutfitter.com
10) Broken Arrow Lodge & Outfitters
Broken Arrow Lodge & Outfitters offers guided Montana big game hunting experiences. They specialize in archery elk hunts on private land ranches across diverse terrains, from high mountains to vast prairies.
The outfitter provides various hunting opportunities, including elk, mule deer, and antelope hunts. Their ranches span 40,000 acres of deeded and leased land, divided into three large blocks with distinct hunting experiences.
Guided 5-day big game hunts are available, with options for elk-only or combination hunts including deer and antelope. Prices range from $4,395 to $4,995, depending on the package selected.
For those preferring a more independent experience, Broken Arrow offers unguided lodge hunts. These 6-day packages include hunting access and lodging accommodations.
The lodge prides itself on providing Western hospitality in a scenic, off-the-beaten-path location in South Montana.
Broken Arrow Lodge & Outfitters
PO BOX 1291, Miles City, MT
Phone: Not available
Website: Not available
Understanding Montana’s Hunting Regulations
Montana’s hunting regulations are comprehensive and designed to maintain ecological balance while ensuring fair hunting practices. Hunters must familiarize themselves with license requirements and seasonal restrictions before planning their trips.
License Requirements
Montana requires all hunters to obtain appropriate licenses before participating in any hunting activities. Resident and non-resident hunters have different licensing options available. A basic hunting license is mandatory for all hunters, with additional permits required for specific game species.
Big game hunters need to purchase tags for animals like elk, deer, and antelope. These tags are often distributed through a lottery system due to high demand. Upland bird and waterfowl hunters must obtain a conservation license and a migratory bird permit.
Montana also offers combination licenses that include fishing privileges. First-time hunters must complete a hunter education course before applying for a license.
Seasonal Restrictions
Montana’s hunting seasons vary by species and region. The general deer and elk seasons typically run from late October to late November. Archery seasons start earlier, usually in September.
Upland bird hunting seasons begin in September and extend through January for some species. Waterfowl seasons align with federal migratory bird frameworks, generally spanning from early fall to early winter.
Specific hunting districts may have unique dates and regulations. Hunters should consult the current year’s regulations for exact dates and any special restrictions in their chosen hunting areas.
Some areas implement quota systems, closing the season when a predetermined number of animals are harvested. Hunters must check for updates regularly during the season.
Selecting the Right Hunting Outfitter
Choosing an appropriate hunting outfitter in Montana requires careful consideration of their expertise, safety practices, and track record. A reputable outfitter can significantly enhance your hunting experience and increase your chances of success.
Evaluating Experience and Expertise
Look for outfitters with extensive knowledge of Montana’s terrain and wildlife. Check their years in business and client testimonials. Experienced outfitters like Backcountry Montana Outfitters and Montana Guide Service have a deep understanding of local game patterns.
Ask about their success rates and the specific areas they cover. Inquire about their guides’ qualifications and familiarity with different hunting methods.
Request references from past clients to gauge satisfaction levels. Verify their licensing and permits with Montana’s Board of Outfitters.
Assessing Safety Measures
Prioritize outfitters who emphasize safety in their operations. Ask about their emergency protocols and communication systems in remote areas.
Inquire about the guide-to-client ratio to ensure adequate supervision. Check if they provide safety equipment and first-aid training to their guides.
Verify their insurance coverage for accidents or injuries. Ask about their policies on firearm safety and handling during hunts.
Ensure they have a clear plan for adverse weather conditions or unexpected situations. Reputable outfitters will prioritize client safety above all else.