black-otter-guide-service

Backcountry Camp Cook & Wrangler Job | Black Otter MT

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 15:06:20 GMT

BLACK OTTER GUIDE SERVICE

Website Job Posting | Camp Wrangler & Backcountry Cook

Camp Wrangler & Backcountry Cook Job in Montana | Black Otter Guide Service

The Short Answer

Black Otter Guide Service is hiring a seasonal Camp Assistant (Wrangler / Packer / Cook) for summer pack trips and fall hunting expeditions in the backcountry of southwest Montana. The position runs July 1 through December 1, pays $3,000/month, and includes a private studio bunkhouse with bathroom, bedroom, small kitchen, internet, and electricity based out of Paradise Valley, MT.

About Black Otter Guide Service

For more than 50 years, Black Otter Guide Service has been leading expeditions deep into the mountains of southwest Montana, the kind of country most people only see in photographs. Operating under special-use permits from the Custer Gallatin National Forest and as an authorized concessioner for Yellowstone National Park, our pack strings travel 15+ miles from the nearest trailhead, crossing high-altitude landmarks like Wallace Pass at nearly 10,000 feet.

This is not a guest ranch. This is the real thing: wall tents, wood stoves, mountain-bred horses and mules, and clients who come from across the country to experience a wilderness that has to be earned. The team that delivers that experience is small, skilled, and proud of the work. If you want a season that matters, one where the skills you build are real, the country is wild, and the satisfaction runs deep, this is it.

Job Overview: Camp Assistant | Wrangler/Packer | Cook

Position: Camp Assistant | Wrangler/Packer | Cook

Season: July 1 – December 1

Location: Pray, MT (Paradise Valley) with backcountry assignments throughout the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and Yellowstone National Park

Schedule: 5–7 days per week, flexible days off based on trip schedule

Compensation: $3,000/month

Housing: Private studio bunkhouse with bathroom, bedroom, and small kitchen (hot plate, refrigerator, and microwave). Internet and electricity included.

What This Job Is

The Camp Assistant is a versatile, full-season role that keeps Black Otter Guide Service’s backcountry operations running at the high standard our clients expect. On any given week you may be hauling hay and loading mules in Paradise Valley, packing a string into a spike camp above 9,000 feet, or putting a three-course dinner on the table over a wood stove in the middle of the wilderness. On designated trips, you serve as the primary camp cook for guides and clients alike.

This is a job for someone who thrives without a script — someone who sees what needs to be done and does it, who takes as much pride in a clean cook tent and a well-packed pannier as they do in a view that stops people mid-sentence.

Wrangler & Packer Responsibilities

Saddle, unsaddle, and pack stock for backcountry trips
Help prepare for each trip when not in camp: gathering hay, filling water troughs, and hauling stock
Cut and split firewood for wood stoves using a chainsaw or crosscut saw as required by each camp
Maintain fuel in lanterns and assist with general camp maintenance, including fence repair and camp setup
Drive a truck and trailer to the trailhead with stock when needed
Assist with water hauling, treatment, and camp infrastructure between trips
Maintain camp cleanliness in accordance with Leave No Trace principles and Black Otter Guide Service’s Safety, Food Storage, and Visitor Orientation plans

Backcountry Camp Cook Responsibilities

Provide three quality, home-cooked meals per day for clients and guides (appetizers, salads, mains, sides, and desserts)
Cook on a wood stove; chop and maintain firewood as needed
Help pack food and supplies for trips when not in camp
Manage a clean cook tent: wash dishes with bleach in rinse water, air dry, and maintain sanitary surfaces
Treat all drinking water using UV irradiation and label clearly
Store food and trash in compliance with bear safety protocols (meat pole or electric fence) each night
Keep an accurate food inventory and communicate supply needs before each trip
Adapt meals to available ingredients while maintaining the Black Otter Guide Service standard of quality

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to apply for this backcountry job in Montana?

To be considered for this position at Black Otter Guide Service, applicants must have experience and competence with chainsaw and splitting maul operation for firewood gathering, solid horsemanship skills and packing experience, experience cooking on a wood stove, the ability to manage a set menu with limited supplies, and a valid driver’s license with no DUIs in the last 3 years.

What are the physical requirements for this job?

This is a demanding physical position. Successful candidates must be able to regularly lift 50–70 lbs (saddle weight and hay bales), hike in snow for at least 3 miles, and ride horseback for extended periods of approximately 6 hours per day. Work takes place at high altitude in all weather conditions.

What does the pay and housing situation look like?

The position pays $3,000 per month. Housing is a private studio bunkhouse on the property with a bathroom, bedroom, and small kitchen equipped with a hot plate, refrigerator, and microwave. Internet and electricity are included. The season runs from July 1 through December 1.

What wilderness areas does Black Otter Guide Service operate in?

Black Otter Guide Service holds special-use permits from the Custer Gallatin National Forest and operates as an authorized concessioner for Yellowstone National Park. Expeditions travel into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and cross high-altitude landmarks such as Wallace Pass at nearly 10,000 feet.

Is this a good job for someone who wants to learn the outfitting business?

Yes. Black Otter Guide Service actively looks for candidates who want to understand every aspect of the backcountry outfitting operation — from stock care and packing to camp management and client service. This role provides hands-on experience across the full range of skills required to operate at a high level in Montana’s wilderness.

When does the hunting season portion of the job begin?

Black Otter Guide Service runs archery hunting expeditions beginning September 1, mountain goat hunts from September 15 through October 10, and rifle hunting from October 25 through November 20. The camp cook and wrangler role supports all of these seasons.

What We Are Looking For

The best candidates for this role do not wait to be asked to accomplish tasks. They see what needs to be done and they do it. They take pride in the details: a well-packed mule, a clean camp, a dessert that earns a compliment at the end of a long day in the saddle. They are team players who understand that in the backcountry, every member of the crew carries the load.

Professional conduct in all client and team interactions
Initiative without prompting; willingness to ask for clarification when needed
Genuine care for the health and wellbeing of the livestock
Timely, quality meal preparation with adaptability to available ingredients
Rigorous cleanliness standards for kitchen, dishes, and cook tent
Attention to food inventory and proactive supply management

Apply Now

Ready to trade the pavement for the pack string?

Apply online: Apply for this position here

Questions? Call or text 406-224-0035 or email nika@blackotterguideservice.com

Learn more: blackotterguideservice.com

Horseback Pack Trips Near Yellowstone: Inside a Multi-Day Wilderness Expedition

Mon, 18 May 2026 17:02:52 GMT

Horseback Pack Trips Near Yellowstone: Inside a Multi-Day Wilderness Expedition

Most people who visit Yellowstone National Park see it through a windshield. They walk the boardwalks, photograph the geysers, and drive home. A small number of people see something entirely different: the Yellowstone that exists beyond the pavement, reached on horseback, measured in miles rather than minutes, and experienced at the pace of a pack string crossing a high-altitude pass.

Horseback pack trips near Yellowstone offer access to one of the largest intact wilderness ecosystems in the lower 48. The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness sits directly along the northern boundary of Yellowstone National Park, and for outfitters like Black Otter Guide Service who hold both National Forest special-use permits and Yellowstone National Park concession authorization, the terrain available is vast, protected, and almost entirely free of the crowds that define a typical park visit.

This guide covers everything you need to know before booking a multi-day horseback pack trip near Yellowstone: what the experience looks like, which camps and routes are available, how to choose your trip length, and how to prepare.

The Short Answer: Horseback pack trips near Yellowstone travel 10 to 16 miles into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness on day one, reaching semi-permanent wall tent camps with meals provided. Trips run from 4 to 10 days between July and late August. Guests can fish for cutthroat trout, hike, ride, or simply enjoy the solitude of camp. No riding experience is required.

Where You Are Going: The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness

The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness covers nearly one million acres of southwest Montana, sitting immediately north of Yellowstone's boundary and managed under the Custer Gallatin National Forest. It is high, steep, and remote. Peaks regularly exceed 11,000 feet. The drainage systems feed world-class cutthroat trout fisheries in streams and alpine lakes that receive virtually no fishing pressure from casual visitors.

Black Otter Guide Service has operated in this terrain for over 50 years. The routes they use cross landmarks like Wallace Pass at nearly 10,000 feet, descending into drainages like Grizzly Creek, Hellroaring Creek, and the Buffalo Fork of the Yellowstone. These are not trails that appear on a day-hiker's itinerary. Reaching them requires a horse, a pack string, and a guide who knows the mountain.

The ride in to Grizzly Creek Camp covers 16 miles and takes approximately six hours. That distance is the product: genuine wilderness, not a wilderness-adjacent experience.

The Camps: Grizzly Creek, Buffalo Fork, and Slough Creek

Black Otter Guide Service operates three primary camps, each offering a distinct character and set of activities. Multi-day travel trips move between camps. Base camp trips settle into one location for the duration.

Grizzly Creek Camp (July 15 - August 30)

Grizzly Creek is the base camp operation and the most popular destination for first-time guests. It sits in the heart of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, reached after a 16-mile ride over Wallace Pass that takes approximately six hours with a midday stop for lunch. The camp is a semi-permanent wall tent setup with cots, a wood stove, and meals prepared on-site.

The fishing in this area is exceptional. Carpenter Lake and Grizzly Creek both hold native cutthroat trout in clear, cold water. Hellroaring Creek, where camp sits at the confluence of two drainages, offers some of the most productive and least-pressured stream fishing in southwest Montana. Guests who want nothing more than to ride, fish, and sit by a fire will find Grizzly Creek camp more than sufficient for four to seven days.

Rates for base camp pack trips are $450 per person per day, not including gratuities.

Buffalo Fork Camp

Buffalo Fork sits in Buffalo Fork Meadows, reached by riding from Grizzly Creek over Hummingbird Pass and down through Telephone Basin. The route itself is a highlight: the views from Hummingbird Pass are panoramic and the descent into the meadows is as visually dramatic as any terrain in the wilderness. Buffalo Fork is a feature of the 7-day and 10-day travel trip itineraries.

Slough Creek Camp

For guests who want to connect the wilderness experience with the storied trout fishing of Yellowstone National Park, the Slough Creek camp delivers. Slough Creek is one of the most celebrated cutthroat trout fisheries in the world, running through a section of Yellowstone that is accessible only on foot or horseback. Guests fish for native Yellowstone cutthroat, visit the historic Frenchy homestead, and can ride to Cutoff Mountain for sweeping views of the park's northern range.

This camp is unique because very few outfitters have the authorization to run horseback operations inside Yellowstone. Black Otter Guide Service's Yellowstone concession permit makes this itinerary possible.

Choosing Your Trip Length: 4, 7, or 10 Days

Black Otter Guide Service offers three standard trip structures. The right choice depends on your group's experience level, available time, and what kind of experience you are after.

4-Day Trip: $1,800 Per Person

The four-day, three-night trip most often goes into Grizzly Creek Camp. It is the right choice for first-timers, families with younger children, or guests who want to test the backcountry experience before committing to a longer expedition. You will spend one full day riding in, two full days in camp, and one day riding out. It is enough time to settle into the rhythm of camp life and have at least one genuinely unhurried day in the wilderness.

7-Day Trip: $3,500 Per Person

The seven-day trip is the most popular option and the one most guests find hits the right balance. The two most common itineraries are three nights at Grizzly Creek and three nights at Buffalo Fork, or three nights at Slough Creek and three nights at Buffalo Fork Meadows. You have enough days in each camp to slow down, explore the surrounding terrain, fish different waters, and feel genuinely embedded in the wilderness rather than passing through it.

10-Day Trip: $5,000 Per Person

The 10-day expedition covers all three camps: three nights at Grizzly Creek, three nights at Buffalo Fork, and three nights at Slough Creek. This is the full Black Otter Guide Service experience. It is designed for guests who want the most immersive possible encounter with this specific corner of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and for groups who want to cover the widest range of terrain, fishing, and riding country that the permitted area has to offer.

What You Will Actually Do Every Day

One of the most common questions from first-time guests is what a typical day in camp actually looks like. The short answer is that there is no rigid schedule, which is partly the point. A day might include:

An early morning ride to a high vantage point to glass for wildlife
A few hours of fly fishing on a lake or stream
A midday rest in camp while the horses graze
An afternoon hike to a nearby pass or ridge
A long evening around the fire with dinner and conversation

Guests who want to maximize fishing time can fish nearly all day. Guests who want to ride can work with guides to plan longer day rides into new terrain. Families with children find the camp-centric structure, where the horses are always nearby and the activities can be paced to the group, works exceptionally well for multi-generational trips.

What no day includes: a cell signal, a notification, or the noise of a parking lot.

Wildlife You Are Likely to Encounter

The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and northern Yellowstone region is one of the richest wildlife areas in North America. For many guests, the wildlife encounters are among the most memorable moments of the entire trip. Viewing a grizzly bear or a wolf pack from horseback, with experienced guides nearby, is a fundamentally different experience from watching wildlife from a car window in the park. These are the moments guests talk about for years. Animals you can expect to see include:

Elk: large summer herds graze the high alpine basins throughout July and August
Grizzly bears: the northern Yellowstone ecosystem supports one of the densest grizzly populations outside of Alaska
Wolves: the Yellowstone wolf population uses the drainages north of the park boundary regularly
Moose: common in riparian areas and at the edges of alpine meadows
Mountain goats: visible from ridgelines in the higher terrain
Cutthroat trout: native populations in nearly every drainage

Your guides have spent decades in this terrain and know where to look and how to read animal behavior. Wildlife encounters are a regular part of the experience, not a lucky exception, and the perspective from horseback makes every sighting more intimate than anything you will find on a boardwalk.

Who Is This Trip Right For?

Black Otter Guide Service summer pack trips work well for a wider range of guests than most people initially assume.

First-timers with no riding experience: the horses are mountain-trained and steady; guides provide full orientation before the ride in
Families with children: the 4-day trip in particular is well-suited to older children and teens; confirm age appropriateness for your group with the outfitter before booking
Multi-generational groups: the combination of horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and camp life offers something engaging for guests of different ages and activity levels
Serious fly fishers: guests who want to fish Slough Creek or the wilderness lake system with very little company will find this experience hard to replicate anywhere else
Professionals seeking genuine disconnection: the terrain is far enough from the trailhead that there is no cell service and no practical way to stay connected; this is not a limitation, it is the product

What to Pack: The 30-Pound Rule

Black Otter Guide Service enforces a 30-pound personal gear limit for the ride in. Camp supplies, food, wall tents, and cooking equipment are provided and packed separately by the outfitter. Your 30 pounds needs to cover:

Sleeping bag: a warm lightweight bag rated to at least 20 degrees Fahrenheit
Clothing layers: temperatures range from 40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit; pack for both
Riding boots or laced boots with a defined heel (no Vibram-soled shoes for riding)
Rain gear: jacket and pants; afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a broad-brimmed hat
Fishing tackle if you plan to fish: rods must be in metal or plastic cases no longer than standard length
Camera and extra batteries: there is no power in camp
Personal medications clearly labeled

Pack everything in a single stout duffel or side-zipper bag marked with your name and address. Plastic freezer bags inside the duffel keep gear dry through creek crossings and mountain weather. Go lighter than you think you need to. The mountain does the heavy lifting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need riding experience for a horseback pack trip near Yellowstone?

No prior riding experience is required. The horses at Black Otter Guide Service are specifically bred and trained for steep mountain terrain and are accustomed to carrying guests of all experience levels. Your guide will give you a riding orientation before the trip begins. If you have an opportunity to ride before your trip, it will make your first day more comfortable, but it is not a prerequisite.

When is the best time of year for a horseback pack trip in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness?

The summer season at Black Otter Guide Service runs from mid-July through late August. This window represents the best combination of trail conditions, weather, and wildlife activity. High-altitude snowpack has typically melted by mid-July, stream levels have dropped to safe crossing levels, and the alpine wildflowers are at their peak. August offers slightly more stable weather and excellent dry-fly fishing conditions.

What is the difference between a base camp trip and a travel camp trip?

A base camp trip, like the Grizzly Creek Camp operation, keeps guests in one location for the duration. It is ideal for families, less experienced riders, and guests who want to fish or hike from a single well-established camp. A travel camp trip moves between two or three camps over the course of the trip, covering more terrain and offering a more progressive wilderness experience. Travel trips are $500 per person per day due to the additional logistics involved.

Can families with children do a multi-day horseback pack trip?

Yes, with some planning. The 4-day base camp trip to Grizzly Creek is the most appropriate option for families with children. The ride in is approximately six hours, which is manageable for most older children and teens. Families with younger children should contact Black Otter Guide Service directly to discuss the specific ages and experience levels involved so the guides can plan appropriately.

How far in advance should I book a summer pack trip with Black Otter Guide Service?

Summer pack trips typically fill between December and May for the following season. The most popular windows, particularly late July and early August, often book out before March. If you are planning a summer trip, the right time to reach out is now.

Is there cell service or Wi-Fi in camp?

No. Camp is located 15 or more miles from the nearest trailhead at high altitude, well beyond any cell coverage. This is by design. Guests who are looking to genuinely disconnect from work and connectivity will find the wilderness environment delivers that in a way that a lodge or guest ranch cannot. Black Otter Guide Service staff can communicate with the outside world via satellite communication in the event of an emergency.

Book Your Summer Pack Trip Near Yellowstone

Summer dates at Black Otter Guide Service book quickly, and the most popular windows are often reserved months in advance. If you are considering a 2026 trip, spaces are limited and expected to fill before the end of spring.

Call or text Black Otter Guide Service at 406-224-0035 , or visit blackotterguideservice.com to check availability and start planning your expedition.

Montana Backcountry Elk Hunting: What to Expect on a Guided Horse-Supported Expedition

Mon, 04 May 2026 16:36:48 GMT

Montana Backcountry Elk Hunting: What to Expect on a Guided Horse-Supported Expedition

A guided elk hunt with Black Otter Guide Service is not a weekend drive-in hunt. It is a multi-day expedition into roadless wilderness in Hunt District 314, where you ride into camp on horseback, hunt with an outfitter that has guided this specific country for over 30 years, and return with an experience that most hunters only read about.

Black Otter Guide Service guides hunters in Hunt District 314 (HD-314) in southwest Montana, a district that is home to one of the largest resident elk herds in Montana, along with strong populations of mule deer, mountain goat, and moose. Black Otter Guide Service has operated in this terrain since 1968, building more than 50 years of institutional knowledge about how elk move through this specific country across every season and weather condition.

This guide covers the facts: how the hunt is structured, what each day looks like, what the terrain demands of you, what Black Otter Guide Service provides, and how to give yourself the best chance of success.

The Short Answer: Montana backcountry elk hunting with Black Otter Guide Service takes hunters on a 6-mile, 1.5-hour ride into Big Creek Camp at 6,800 feet in Hunt District 314 (HD-314). Daily hunts involve 1-2 hours of riding to the hunt location and several miles of hiking. Archery season opens September 1; rifle season runs late October through November. Historical elk opportunity rate is approximately 40%, with most bulls taken over 300 inches.

Hunt District 314: Why This Country Produces Big Bulls

HD-314 is one of the premier elk hunting districts in southwest Montana. It is home to one of the largest resident elk herds in the state, and it holds excellent populations of mule deer, mountain goat, bear, and moose. The terrain is steep, wooded, and roadless in the areas Black Otter Guide Service guides, which means elk are not subjected to the pressure that concentrates hunting activity closer to trailheads and roads.

Big Creek Camp sits at 6,800 feet. From camp, guides ride hunters out one to two hours each morning to reach the hunt area, then cover several miles on foot depending on where elk are located that day. The country rewards hunters who are fit, patient, and willing to trust their guide's knowledge of where the animals are.

The historical elk opportunity rate at Black Otter Guide Service is approximately 40% on public land, a number that reflects both the quality of the hunting and the reality that weather, hunter fitness, and the unpredictable nature of elk all play a role. Most bulls that are taken are over 300 inches. Those are not lucky numbers; they are the product of 30 years of guiding in the same country.

Montana Elk Hunting Seasons: Archery and Rifle

Archery Elk Hunting: September

Archery season opens September 1. Black Otter Guide Service runs archery hunts out of Big Creek Camp with a maximum of two hunters at a time, which ensures focused, personal attention from your guide. The rut drives bull activity during this window, and close encounters are the norm. Archery hunters at Black Otter Guide Service have had elk as close as 10 yards, and guides do not encourage shots beyond 40 yards. If you are an archery hunter who wants a genuine rut encounter in tight timber and steep country, this is the hunt.

Archery hunt dates for 2026: Hunt 1 runs Friday September 4 through Thursday September 10 (7 days, season opens September 5). Hunt 2 runs Sunday September 13 through Friday September 18. Hunt 3 runs Sunday September 20 through Friday September 25.

Rifle Elk Hunting: Late October through November

Rifle season opens October 24 and runs through late November. Up to six hunters can be in camp during rifle season. The terrain and distances involved mean rifle hunters should be comfortable shooting from 100 to 400 yards from field positions. This is not a bench-rest situation; bringing a rifle you are familiar with and shoot well under varying conditions matters more than caliber.

Rifle hunt dates for 2026: Hunt 1 runs Friday October 23 through Thursday October 29 (season opens October 24). Hunt 2 runs Sunday November 1 through Friday November 6. Hunt 3 runs Sunday November 8 through Friday November 13. Hunt 4 runs Sunday November 15 through Friday November 20.

2027 dates are also available for hunters planning ahead. Contact Black Otter Guide Service for the full 2027 schedule.

Trophy Hunts: Mountain Goat, Moose, and Bighorn Sheep

For hunters who draw a limited-entry tag for mountain goat, moose, or bighorn sheep in the area, Black Otter Guide Service offers dedicated trophy hunts out of a spike camp in Big Creek. These hunts run one hunter per guide with a maximum of two hunters per expedition, ensuring the focused attention these demanding hunts require. Rates start at $10,000 per person for six days. Non-resident big game licenses for these species are available through a drawing process, with applications due by May 1.

What a Typical Hunt Day Actually Looks Like

One of the most valuable things a prospective hunter can know before booking is what the daily rhythm of a guided backcountry hunt actually involves. Here is an honest picture.

You will ride from Big Creek Camp for one to two hours each morning to reach the day's hunt area. The hiking from there depends entirely on where elk are located that day, but expect to cover at least a couple of miles on foot. The standard structure is a morning hunt, a midday stop for lunch, and then a second hunt in the afternoon before riding back to camp in the evening. Warm gear is essential for the ride out in the evening, particularly in October and November.

If you take an elk early in the week, your hunting does not need to stop. Hunters who fill their elk tag early have the option to hunt mule deer, wolf, and black bear from the base camp for the remainder of their days.

What Black Otter Guide Service Provides

Black Otter Guide Service runs a fully outfitted expedition. Here is what is included:

One guide for every two hunters
A dedicated camp cook and hearty home-style meals
Horses, scabbards, and all riding and camp gear
Wall tents heated with wood stoves
Cots and foam pads
Assistance dressing and packing out game
Bear spray available; clean camp protocols are maintained throughout

What you bring: your rifle or bow, ammunition or arrows, a sleeping bag, and personal items. The weight limit for personal gear is 50 pounds. Bring layers, not heavy coats; temperatures range from -20 to +70 degrees Fahrenheit, and layering lightweight clothing is strongly preferred over bulky outerwear.

The Outfitter Preference Point Advantage

One of the most strategically important steps a Montana elk hunter can take is purchasing an outfitter preference point. When you book a guided hunt with a licensed Montana outfitter before applying for your license, you become eligible to purchase an additional outfitter preference point through the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks drawing system. These points accumulate alongside your regular preference points and improve your odds for limited-entry tags over time.

How to Prepare Physically for a Backcountry Elk Hunt

The terrain in HD-314 is steep and the daily mileage on foot is real. Hunters who arrive physically prepared get more out of every day. The hunt involves riding on horseback for one to two hours each morning to reach the hunt area, then covering several miles on foot. Here is what to focus on before your trip:

Build cardiovascular endurance before you arrive. The daily hunt structure involves riding on horseback for one to two hours each morning, followed by several miles on foot in steep terrain. Guests who are in good aerobic shape get more productive hunting time each day.
Practice shooting from realistic field positions before your trip. Rifle hunters should be comfortable shooting at distances from 100 to 400 yards. Archery hunters should practice at close range under pressure; encounters in HD-314 timber can happen at 10 yards or less.
Prepare for temperature swings. Big Creek Camp sits at 6,800 feet, and temperatures can range from -20 to +70 degrees Fahrenheit. Physical readiness includes having the right layering system, not just fitness.

What to Pack: The 50-Pound Limit

Personal gear is limited to 50 pounds for the ride in. Camp supplies, food, tents, and cooking equipment are provided and packed separately. Your 50 pounds should cover:

Rifle in the 30-06 category with a 4-power scope, OR bow with sling and arrows (a sighting target is available in camp)
Ammunition: 2 boxes
Sleeping bag: 5-pound down or polyfill, or two lightweight bags
Thermal underwear: 2 pairs, winter weight
Wool pants and warm shirts
Coats: at least one wool or water-repellent outer layer
Gloves and mittens: several pairs
Hat or cap that covers your ears
Boots: 2 pairs. One for hunting, one for camp. Heavy Vibram soles and pack boots are not recommended for riding
Gaiters and wool socks: several pairs
Blaze orange vest of at least 400 square inches (required for rifle hunters)
Day pack for lunches and needed items during the hunt
Binoculars: lightweight, 10-power with a rangefinder
Hunting knife, compass, 1-liter minimum canteen or water bottle with a water filter

Pack everything in a stout duffel or side-zipper bag marked with your name and address. Plastic freezer bags inside the duffel keep gear dry. Please notify Black Otter Guide Service of any dietary restrictions or food allergies before your trip.

Rates and Booking

Black Otter Guide Service offers three pricing tiers for hunting:

2 hunters with 1 guide: $6,500 per person for a 6-day hunt (half travel day on each end)
1 hunter with 1 guide: $8,000 per person for a 6-day hunt (half travel day on each end)
Trophy hunts (moose, mountain goat, bighorn sheep): $10,000 per person for a 6-day hunt

All prices exclude gratuities and are subject to change. A deposit of $1,500 per person is collected at booking. If you draw a license, the remaining 50% deposit is due by May 1st. The outstanding balance is due four weeks prior to your trip. If you do not draw a license and notify Black Otter Guide Service by May 1st, the full deposit is transferable to another trip for one year or refundable minus a 5% admin fee. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hunting area does Black Otter Guide Service operate in?

Black Otter Guide Service guides hunters in Hunt District 314 (HD-314) in southwest Montana. The district is excellent for elk, mule deer, mountain goat, bear, and moose, and is home to one of the largest resident elk herds in Montana.

How far is the ride into hunting camp?

Big Creek Camp is a six-mile ride, approximately 1.5 hours on horseback. Camp sits at 6,800 feet elevation. From camp, guides ride hunters out one to two hours each morning to reach the day's hunt area.

What is the success rate on a guided elk hunt with Black Otter Guide Service?

The historical elk opportunity rate is approximately 40% on public land. That number reflects weather, hunter fitness, and the nature of fair-chase hunting on public land. Most bulls taken are over 300 inches. Your guide will give you an honest assessment based on current season conditions.

How many hunters are in camp at one time?

During archery season, Black Otter Guide Service takes a maximum of two hunters at a time unless prior arrangements have been made. During rifle season, camp can accommodate up to six hunters.

Do I need prior riding experience?

No. Black Otter Guide Service has horses to suit any rider, from beginners to experienced horsemen. They do ask that you share your height, weight, and riding experience level before the trip so the right horse can be matched to you.

Are there age, height, or weight restrictions?

For the health and safety of the stock and all clients, participants must be 6 years of age or older, weigh under 265 pounds, and be at least 3 feet 6 inches tall.

Is this grizzly bear country?

Yes. Black Otter Guide Service operates in grizzly bear country and maintains clean camp protocols throughout every expedition to reduce bear contact. Bear spray is available in camp for those who want it.

What is an outfitter preference point and how do I get one?

Montana allows hunters to purchase an additional preference point when booking with a licensed outfitter before applying for their license through the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks drawing system. These points accumulate and improve your odds for limited-entry tags over time. Black Otter Guide Service can help you understand the process and timing.

Ready to Plan Your Montana Backcountry Elk Hunt?

Hunting dates for 2026 and 2027 are available now, and archery season spots fill quickly. If you are serious about hunting HD-314 with one of Montana’s most experienced outfitters, now is the time to start the conversation.

Call or text Black Otter Guide Service at 406-224-0035 , or visit blackotterguideservice.com to check availability and learn more about the outfitter preference point opportunity.

Winter Reflections From the Backcountry and Looking Ahead to 2026

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 14:58:23 GMT

Winter Reflections From the Backcountry and Looking Ahead to 2026

As winter settles into Montana’s mountains, the pace slows and the backcountry grows quiet. This season offers time for reflection, planning, and remembering the moments that mattered most on the trail.

At Black Otter Guide Service, winter is when we look back on the past season with gratitude and begin shaping what comes next.

A Look Back at the 2025 Season

The 2025 season brought meaningful time spent in wild places with incredible people. From long days on horseback to evenings gathered around the dinner table, the best moments were defined by shared experience rather than distance traveled.

One highlight was an all women trip into Grizzly Creek that combined fishing, horseback riding, and painting. These trips are about more than the destination. They create space for creativity, connection, and fully stepping into the landscape.

Hunting season presented its own challenges this year. Warmer weather created unpredictable conditions, but the experience remained rewarding. We explored new country during a sheep hunt and embraced the realities that come with adapting to the land as it is, not as we expect it to be.

Welcoming a New Puppy to Camp

This season brought a few meaningful changes at camp, including the addition of our border collie pup, Rye. She joined Brandy on the trail and quickly settled into camp life. At the same time, Chena officially retired from camp duties and now keeps home base running smoothly.

What Makes a Backcountry Trip Meaningful

While landscapes matter, it is the people who define a season. In 2025, we welcomed familiar faces back to camp and met new friends who quickly became part of the Black Otter community.

The most memorable moments were often the simplest ones. Shared meals, quiet mornings in camp, and conversations that unfold naturally when distractions fade away.

This is the heart of what we offer. Authentic wilderness experiences built on trust, preparation, and respect for the land.

Planning for 2026 Montana Backcountry Trips

As we begin planning for the 2026 season, we are excited about what lies ahead. Winter is when many of our clients start dreaming about time in the Montana backcountry, whether that means a guided hunt, a summer pack trip, or a custom wilderness experience.

Early planning allows us to create trips that are well matched to each group, their goals, and the conditions of the season. It also ensures space is available for those who value a smaller, more personalized outfitting experience.

If you are beginning to think about a future trip, we would love to connect and talk through what the next season could look like for you.

A Note of Thanks

We are deeply grateful to every client who joined us on the trail this past season. Your trust, curiosity, and willingness to step into the backcountry are what make this work meaningful.

A special thank you as well to our client Sawyer for the beautiful painting featured here. It captures the spirit of camp and the quiet beauty of the places we are fortunate to call our office.

Winter may be a time of rest, but the trail is always waiting.

First Summer Trip into Grizzly Creek

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 15:20:44 GMT

Our first trip into Grizzly Creek was all women this year and was full of laughter, fun and adventure. The weather was beautiful with sun and just a few rain showers.

First you have to pack up the mules….

Traveling through the burned area listening to the chirps of the Yellow-bellied Marmots

Climbing up to ~10,000 ft Wallace Pass with a fantastic view and wildflowers galore.

Gary was the photographer for this picture.

The days in camp were filled with exploring the area, hiking, looking for Pika, taking naps, painting, picking strawberries, nights by the campfire, going for rides and trying out riding a mule!

Snuggling puppies…

And then it is time to leave and ride out towards Wallace Pass again.

Camp is set and ready for summer fun!

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 14:47:28 GMT

We went in and setup camp this weekend for our trips this summer. There was still a little snow in the mountains and on the trail. We saw lots of birds but no mountain goats!

The wildflowers are amazing this time of year and the skies were blue and beautiful!

We setup the tents and started to gather firewood.

Camp is at the edge of Grizzly Creek and the end of a large green meadow where we often see moose and deer. In fact, the camp doe appeared and said, “hello.”

Camp is ready and waiting for our summer trips! If you are thinking of a backcountry adventure for next summer, reach out to us to set a date and send a deposit to hold your spot for a wilderness experience you won't forget.

Join us on a travel trip for the adventure of a lifetime!

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 15:14:08 GMT

Join us on a travel trip for the adventure of a lifetime!

August 1 – 10, 2025

Ten-day, nine-night trip from Yellowstone National Park into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. This trip lets you experience the best of the backcountry of Montana in one trip.

Starting at Slough Creek Trailhead going to a backcountry camp beyond the YNP line then traveling over Lookout Mountain to our Buffalo Fork Camp continuing through Telephone Basin to our semi-permanent camp in Grizzly Creek and finishing at the Passage Creek Trailhead off Mill Creek Road. Totaling over 60 miles, your horse, guides, pack mules, meals and tents are all included in this trip of a lifetime.

View on Google Earth

From Slough Creek Trailhead, you travel through the meadows on an old carriage road with beautiful views. This leg of the trip is where you see the most other people since it is in YNP. You will likely see anglers and bison along the way.

You arrive at our camp located on the banks of Slough Creek where you can set out your sleeping bag in our wall tents with mattresses. Home cooked meals are served in the cook tent for breakfast and dinner. You spend three nights in this camp and can go fishing or tour the country of trappers and early settlers by horseback. Pack your lunch and just lounge next to the river.

On day four, you pack up camp and travel to the Buffalo Fork camp. You will likely go over Lookout Mountain with views for miles around. You then drop into our Buffalo Fork Creek camp.

At this camp, you can spend two days exploring the river, fishing the lake, eating popcorn or exploring the backcountry by horseback.

On Day 7, you pack up camp and spend the day riding into our semi-permanent camp through Telegraph Basin and can possibly see mountain goats, deer, elk and moose. After crossing Hellroaring Creek, you arrive at our camp located on the banks of Grizzly Creek where you can set out your sleeping bag in our wall tents with cots and mattresses. Home cooked meals are served in the cook tent for breakfast and dinner.

On your last day, you pack up and ride back out over beautiful Wallace Pass and arrive at the trailhead around 5 pm.

Learn more on the Summer Camps page.

Contact us if you would like to join this or other trips we have available: text or call us at 406-224-0035 or email nika@blackotterguideservice.com

Join us for a one-of-a-kind backcountry experience!

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 15:28:53 GMT

Join us for a one-of-a-kind backcountry experience!

July 24 – 27, 2025

Four-day, three-night trip into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. You spend the first day riding into our semi-permanent camp over Wallace Pass with mountain views and the possibility of seeing mountain goats, deer, elk and moose.

You arrive at our camp located on the banks of Grizzly Creek where you can set out your sleeping bag in our wall tents with cots and mattresses. Home cooked meals are served in the cook tent for breakfast and dinner.

The next 2 days, you have the option of going fishing, hiking or horseback riding to explore the Hellroaring Valley. You can pack a long your lunch to eat by the lake or streams as you fish or along a scenic horse ride. On your last day, you pack up and ride back out over beautiful Wallace Pass and arrive back at the trailhead around 5 pm.

Learn more by clicking on the Summer Camps page!

Contact us if you would like to join this or other trips we have available:

Message us or Call 406-224-0035 or email nika@blackotterguideservice.com

More pictures below: