Winter Reflections From the Backcountry and Looking Ahead to 2026
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.
