FAQs

Discover everything you need to know for your Montana adventure with Blackfeet Outfitters' hunting and fishing excursions. Browse through our FAQ section to ensure you're fully equipped and prepared for your trip. Should you have any further inquiries, don't hesitate to reach out to us directly.

Trip Preparation

  • Montana licenses and tags are available at Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Online Licenses.

  • Waiver forms for hunting and backcountry trips must be filled out prior to your trip. We will send you the form for submission at the time of booking.

  • To prioritize your safety, we strongly advise remaining with the group at all times and refraining from solitary exploration. It is highly recommended that all participants carry a survival kit in case of separation from the group. Failure to adhere to safety protocols may result in the inability to participate in hunting activities. Please exercise caution regarding the presence of valuables, as we do not have secure storage facilities available.

  • Our trips take place in remote wilderness areas. Participants should possess good health and be prepared for physical exertion, especially at higher elevations. Clients with specific medical conditions should consult with their physician before booking a trip.

    For safety considerations, weight limitations are enforced. The maximum weight for horseback riders is 250 pounds.

  • In the case of extreme conditions, we highly recommend the following in your survival kit:
    - compass
    - fire starting material
    - knife
    - folding saw
    - orange ribbon tape
    - space blanket
    - flashlight/batteries
    - rope
    - waterproof bags
    - water bladder
    - snacks

  • Prepare for your backcountry adventure with our essential packing list. Whether you're embarking on a day trip or a multi-day expedition, ensure you have everything you need for a safe and enjoyable journey.

  • For big game hunting, please bring your own ammunition and a minimum bolt-action rifle of .270 caliber. We discourage bringing semi-automatic rifles and pump action rifles.

    ·      For upland bird hunting, please bring shells and shotguns with a caliber of 28, 20, 16, and 12,  6-8 ½ shot.

    When handling firearms please be knowledgeable about the firearms that you are using. Know the rules of carrying and storing a firearm.

  • In the interest of safety for our clients, guides, and staff, the consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited while engaged in hunting activities. However, you are welcome to enjoy alcoholic beverages upon your return to camp. Should you feel the need for a drink during the day, it is permissible, but please be aware that doing so will conclude your hunting for the remainder of the day.

  • Hunting is an inherently dangerous sport. Poor planning and inadequate preparation leads to increased risks and dangers while hunting. Being physically and mentally prepared is of prime importance as you hunt for wild game. Consider bringing plenty of warm clothing that can be layered, a personal survival pack, and bear spray. Hunter gun safety is of extreme importance as well as being aware of your surroundings. Remember wild game animals live here. Be mindful of extreme changes in temperature and weather conditions. High altitudes and rugged terrain presents its own challenges. Animals including domestic horses and mules, and wild animals can be unpredictable and dangerous to the hunter; all beyond the control of the outfitter.

    · Please adhere to specific direction from Blackfeet Outfitters. Our outfitter and guides are trained to identify dangerous conditions.

  • What is your proficiency at hunting?

    ·      Am I looking for a wilderness experience or a ranch-type of hunting experience?

    ·      How important is it to stay in a nice camp?

    ·      Am I prepared to stay in the wilderness without the creature comforts of home?

    We do our best to run our operations on a timely schedule. However, due to weather, road conditions, working with livestock, our start times can vary a bit. Please be understanding of the environmental conditions.

Accommodations & Logistics:

  • Depending on your choice of hunt and accommodations package, you may choose to stay at a local hotel/motel. However, if you decide to hunt in the backcountry on a multi-day trip, you will be staying in wood-heated wall tents with cots and sleeping bags or you can bring your own sleeping bag.

  • One guide is provided for every 2 hunters.

    Our basecamp for big game hunting is situated at Lonesome Creek, nestled in the heartland of the road-less Badger Two Medicine area, which borders the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. Lonesome Creek is approximately 13 miles from the trailhead.

    Our backcountry camping facilities consist of wood-heated wall tents equipped with cots and sleeping bags. As these camps are located far from civilization, please ensure you bring all necessary personal items. Please note that there will be no trips to convenience stores or markets during your time in the backcountry. Additionally, there is a possibility of sharing the camp with other hunters.

  • Limited cell phone coverage is available depending on where you will be hunting. If you feel that you need cell service, we recommend that you acquire a satellite phone prior to your trip.

  • Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are included for backcountry trips and served family-style. Please inform us of any dietary requests during your booking.

    Snacks, water, non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.

  • The nearest airport is Great Falls International Airport. Pickup services are available upon request. Call for pricing.

Financial Logistics

  • A 50% deposit per person is required at the time of booking. Final payment is due 30 days prior to the client’s arrival.

    Acceptable payment methods include cash, check, or credit card. Personal checks are accepted on approval only. Checks must be payable to “Blackfeet Outfitters.” Gratuity not included.

    A 4% convenience fee will be added to process your transaction.

    *Tags, licenses or airport shuttle fees are not included.

  • Deposits are refundable with 60 days advance written notice. An administrative fee of 15% per person will be charged on all refunds. In the event of cancellation, the client may have the option to apply the deposit balance to a future date.

    There are no refunds due to weather, nor harvesting an animal, or change in trip itinerary. If you cancel less than 48 hours in advance, or fail to show up for your trip, no refund will be given, and there are no rescheduling options. Blackfeet Outfitters reserves the right to change or cancel a trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as fire danger, unfavorable trail conditions, or the presence of dangerous wildlife.

    Trip insurance is highly recommended to all of our clients to protect them in the event of cancellations. Montana Outfitters and Guides Association recommends Signature Travel Insurance.

  • Our team of guides, cooks, and wranglers diligently strive to support our hunters and clients in every capacity. While gratuities are welcomed as an expression of appreciation for exceptional service, tipping is not obligatory. However, if you feel that our guides have delivered an outstanding experience, direct tipping is customary and appreciated.

  • The hunter is responsible for the cost of game processing, taxidermy fees, shipping of meat, pelts, antlers, and/or horns. Frozen meats can be safely shipped by UPS, FedEx, and other private carriers using overnight or 2nd day shipping.

    Pack out is included in the guided hunting booking.

Hunting Information

  • If a client mistakenly bags the wrong species or exceeds the bag limit, it will be reported, and the hunt will be terminated. We prioritize the recovery of wounded animals, emphasizing shot placement, weapon knowledge, and marksmanship practice. If a hunter hasn't filled their tag by the end of the scheduled hunt, additional days can be arranged at our daily rate.

  • Blackfeet Outfitters specializes in spot and stalk hunting, although we do not guarantee a game harvest. For upland bird hunting, our team is equipped with hunting dogs, or you're welcome to bring your own. Montana's vast terrain boasts diverse wildlife, including bull elk, moose, sheep, deer, bear, and more. While we organize deer-only and upland bird hunts in central Montana districts, please note that game harvest cannot be guaranteed.

  • In the west, Montana has one of the longest hunting seasons in the West that boasts on millions of acres of prime hunting lands and healthy game herds across the state.

  • Hunting clients are financially responsible for game processing, taxidermy expenses, and managing the shipment of meat, pelts, antlers, and/or horns. Blackfeet Outfitters is committed to facilitating the transfer of your game to a trusted local meat processor and taxidermist. our guides will diligently oversee the preservation of your meat, trophy antlers, and cape, with select meat processors providing skinning services as part of their processing fee.

    Frozen meat shipments can be arranged through reputable carriers such as UPS, FedEx, and other private shipping services, with shipping costs borne by the hunter.

    Pack out fees are included in guided hunts.

  • Expect Blackfeet Outfitters to adapt to prime hunting areas across National Forests, state lands, and private properties. Please be aware of your physical capabilities; hunting in rugged terrain and high altitudes demands good physical condition. Trails in the Badger Two Medicine National Forest can range from 4 to 13 miles with elevation gains of 500 to 1500 feet, presenting moderate to extremely difficult hiking conditions. North central Montana's elevations vary from 2000 to 7500 feet, offering hikes ranging from moderately easy to strenuous. Be prepared for steep mountainous terrain and river crossings, as well as diverse landscapes such as foothills, valleys, and peaks. We ensure hunting areas are suitable for each hunter's physical abilities.