Hunting

Overview
Wilderness Hunts
Ranch Hunts
2025 Rates & Dates
What To Bring
License Info
Overview
Overview
Wilderness Hunts
Ranch Hunts
2025 Rates & Dates
What To Bring
License Info

Premier Big Game Hunts

We offer 2 types of combination trips for rifle hunting for elk, mule deer and whitetail.

Pack-in Tent Camp Hunt on Horseback
in the Bob Marshall Wilderness

Our wilderness camp in Leota Park is 10 miles by horse from the nearest road in area 150 on upper Young’s Creek of the Flathead National Forest. This is an excellent time to hunt bugling bulls during the rut. There are 3 ten-day hunts beginning September 14 through October 17 for elk and mule deer. These hunts are 9 nights/10 days and consist of one day traveling horseback into camp (10 miles), one day traveling out, and 8 days of hunting via horseback and on foot.

Lodge-based Hunt on Horseback
in the Blackfoot-Clearwater VALLEY / Lolo National Forest

With the beginning of the general season we move back to the home ranch and hunt on the Lolo National Forest in area 285 of the Blackfoot River Valley. Throughout the course of the season nearly 1000 elk and 1500 deer migrate through our hunting area and onto the winter range south of the ranch. There are 5 six-day hunts, beginning the 4th Sunday of October and continuing through Thanksgiving weekend in November. You can hunt for mule deer, whitetail, and elk. These hunts are 6 days/7 nights with of 6 days of hunting via horseback, on foot and 4-wheel drive.

We are a second-generation family business and have been in the same location offering fair-chase hunts on public land for over 50 hunting seasons. We run a top-notch operation and work hard to give you a safe and enjoyable hunt while striving to be a role-model of ethical hunting. Success can vary widely and results depend on the weather, your ability and desire, and just plain luck.

Some trips book years in advance, so it is important to book early. References are available on request.

Bob Marshall Wilderness on the Flathead National Forest

The Bob Marshall is legendary for its quality big game hunting. Our tent camp in Leota Park is 10 miles by horse from the nearest road and surrounded by prime wildlife habitat. In the wilderness we hunt for Elk, Mule Deer, and Black Bear. Grouse hunting and fishing offer a change of pace during your stay.

We offer 3 ten-day hunts beginning September 14 through October 17 for elk and mule deer. These hunts are 9 nights/10 days and consist of one day traveling horseback into camp (10 miles), one day traveling out, and 8 days of hunting.

We are located on Youngs Creek, a major tributary of the South Fork of the Flathead River in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. The actual area we hunt is some 10 miles in diameter and takes in the headwaters of the 5 small streams and numerous lakes in alpine basins that make up the head of Youngs Creek.

Altitude varies from 5000′ to 8500′. Cover varies from open meadows and high open alpine basins through partially timbered slopes to heavy thickets with downfall. This is an excellent area to hunt bugling bulls during the rut.

Fall 2025 Rates & Dates

Wilderness-based Hunts

Wilderness-based Hunts (Click to Show/Hide Info)

WILDERNESS-BASED HUNT
BOB MARSHALL WILDERNESS

Elk – Deer Combo
By Horseback

Our Wilderness Camp in Leota Park (elevation 6000’) is 10 miles by horse from the nearest road by way of Pyramid Pass on the Flathead National Forest in area 150. Enjoy a combination hunt including Elk, Mule Deer, Black Bear, Grouse, and Fishing. Click here for licensing information.


10-DAY WILDERNESS RIFLE HUNTS
(Maximum of Eight Hunters)

  • share a guide ……… $ 7850
  • private guide ……… $ 8900
  • non-hunting companion ……… $ 5300
DATES
  • Wilderness Hunt #1 ……… September 14 – 23
  • Wilderness Hunt #2 ……… September 26 – October 5

Ranch-based Hunts

Ranch-based Hunts (Click to Show/Hide Info)

LODGE-BASED HUNT
BLACKFOOT / CLEARWATER VALLEY

Elk – Deer Combo
By Horseback – Foot – 4WD

With the beginning of the general season we move back to the home ranch and hunt on the Lolo National Forest in area 285 of the Blackfoot / Clearwater Valley. Hunt for Elk, Mule Deer, and Whitetail as they begin their migration to winter range. Click here for licensing information.


6-DAY RIFLE HUNTS
(Maximum of Eight Hunters)

  • share a guide ……… $ 5350
  • private guide ……… $ 5950
  • non-hunting companion ……… $ 2650
DATES
  • Lodge Hunt #1 ……… October 27 – November 1
  • Lodge Hunt #2 ……… November 3 – 8
  • Lodge Hunt #3 ……… November 10 – 15
  • Lodge Hunt #4 ……… November 17 – 22
  • Lodge Hunt #5 ……… November 24 – 29

6-DAY ARCHERY HUNTS

We have a limited opportunity for Lodge-based archery hunts during September when the Elk are in rut. Contact us for more information.

  • share a guide ……… $ 5350
  • private guide ……… $ 5950
  • non-hunting companion ……… $ 2650

Other Details

Other Details (Click to Show/Hide Info)

NOTICE

Our insurance prohibits pregnant women from riding.

DEPOSITS

A 30% deposit is required to make and hold a reservation. The balance is due on arrival. We accept cash, money orders, traveler’s checks, personal checks and visa or master card.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Deposits are non-refundable. The space is held for you and this means turning others away. Deposits are transferable if you have someone else to take your place for those given dates. We recommend trip cancellation insurance to protect your funds for both our trip and your airline tickets if you must cancel. To sign up or learn more, visit www.montanaoutfitters.org/travelersinsurance/.

License Information

Montana hunting licenses are issued by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Application dates and deadlines can be up to a year in advance of your hunt, so please contact us early to ensure you don’t miss out. Non-resident hunters can apply online for one of three types of licenses:

  • A deer only combination
  • An elk only combination
  • An elk & deer combination (which is the one we recommend).

All three of the above license types also include upland bird hunting and fishing. Other licenses including black bear and wolf are available over-the-counter.

We are happy to work with our hunters through the application / licensing process.

In General:

  • Rifle & Ammunition
  • Rifle scabbard (optional)
  • Knife
  • Binoculars
  • Camera and film
  • Headlamp, Flashlight & extra batteries
  • Fishing gear (in sturdy container)
  • Hat & Gloves
  • Hunter orange vest
  • Quality rain gear
  • Clothes – We suggest clothing that can be worn in layers such as T-shirts, Long Johns, Wool Shirts, Vests, and Jackets. Try to avoid things made of plastic or nylon, as they are too noisy for quiet hunting.
  • Boots/Shoes – Bring at least two pair of well-broken in boots, one of which is waterproof, plus a pair of camp shoes.
  • Toiletry kit – Include Towel, Washcloth, and Biodegradable Soap
  • Personal Medication
  • Fanny pack for foot hunting – We furnish saddle bags for extra gear while horse hunting.

Wilderness Hunt Only:

  • Sleeping Bag – Good to Zero Degrees Fahrenheit
  • Duffel Bag – A 32”- 36” bag with full-length zipper works best.

Hunting in the Blackfoot-Clearwater Valley

With the beginning of the general season, we close the Wilderness camp and start our hunts in the Blackfoot/Clearwater Valley. We hunt for Elk, Mule Deer, and Whitetail Deer as they begin their migration from the high country to Winter range. Both Whitetail and Mule Deer are in the rut at this time and when conditions are right hunting can be exceptional.

Throughout the course of the season nearly 1000 elk and 1500 deer migrate through our hunting area and onto the winter range south of the ranch.

There are (5) six-day hunts beginning in late October and extending into Thanksgiving week for mule deer, whitetail, and elk.

You will stay in cedar/log cabins with private baths and gas fireplaces, or our Heritage Lodge which can accommodate larger groups. Hearty meals are served family style in the main lodge. You’ll enjoy the ease and mobility of horseback and 4-wheel drive hunting. Fishing is also available in nearby lakes and streams. Non-hunting companions are welcome.


Contact us for questions or availability

Rich’s Montana Guest Ranch

P.O. Box 495
939 Cottonwood Lakes Road
Seeley Lake, MT 59868-0495

1-406-677-2317

[email protected]

Licensed Outfitter: Jack C. Rich
License #142

Associate Partners:

Proud members of RMEF, NRA, TU, AO, MOGA, PWOA & MWA.