Frequently Asked Questions
Hunting Frequently Asked Questions
What time will we depart and what time should we expect to be back?
We ask that you meet at our headquarters at 131 Pray Rd at 8:00 am. We will take you to zero your rifles and then pack to go into camp. On the day you come out, we arrive at the trailhead around 2:00 pm and will be back to our headquarters by 3 or 4 pm.
Where can we park our vehicle while we are on the trip?
We have a large parking area and you can park your vehicle at our headquarters while we are out on the trip.
How will game meat be handled if the hunt is successful?
We will pack out the meat to one of our staff who can deliver it to the processing facility. We often work with Yellowstone Game Processing in Bozeman or Matt's Meats in Livingston who offer processing and shipping services. There is no need to plan ahead. They often can have the meat ready in a few days.
Is meat processing available locally?
We often work with Yellowstone Game Processing in Bozeman or Matt's Meats in Livingston who offer processing and shipping services. There is no need to plan ahead. They often can have the meat ready in a few days.
Are bear tags available?
A hunter may purchase one black bear license over the counter per year. Hunters must show proof of having passed a free bear identification test before purchasing a black bear license.
Are wolf tags available?
A wolf license is available over the counter at all Fish, Wildlife & Parks offices, License Providers, and through the Online Licensing System.
How do I transport by bow on the horse?
The safest way to transport a bow is in a bow sling on your back while riding the horse.
Will saddle scabbards for scoped rifles be available or should we bring our own?
We provide scabbards for scoped rifles. We recommend that you check to make sure your scope is secure and mark where it is before putting the rifle in the scabbard.
What does a typical day's hunt look like?
We usually ride for anywhere between 1-2 hours to the hunt location. The hiking can vary of course depending on where the elk are but expect to hike at least a couple of miles per day. We usually go out in the morning and hunt one location and then have lunch and hunt another location before returning in the evening so warm gear is essential.
Is blaze orange required?
Yes 400 inches of orange is required. An orange vest worn over your coat is adequate.
If a hunter is successful, what activities will be available from the base camp?
Hunters who successfully take an elk early in the hunt have the option to hunt for mule deer, wolf and black bear. We can also take hunters out early to our headquarters.
Are taxidermists available?
There are taxidermists available locally. We most often work with Shane Halstead 406-223-8960 (htaxidermy@bresnan.net).
Are you in grizzly bear country?
We are in bear country so we have guidelines in place to reduce bear contact. We keep a clean camp and will have bear spray available if wanted.
What is your success rate and average bull size?
Our historical elk opportunity rate on public land is around 40% depending upon the weather, the hunter's physical abilities and the number of other hunters on the public land. Most of our bulls that are taken are over 300 inches.
What area do you guide hunters in?
We guide hunters in area 314. It is excellent for elk, deer, goat, bear and moose hunting and is home for one of the largest resident elk herds in Montana.
How many hunters do you have in camp at once?
During archery, we only take 2 hunters at a time unless prior arrangements have been made, In rifle season, we can take up to 6 hunters in camp.
How many hunters per guide?
Our regular trips are two hunters per one guide. A one-on-one hunt is available for an additional fee.
Do you need a lot of horseback riding experience?
We have horses to suit any type rider, from the beginner to the experienced rider. However, we do like know the height, weight and experience-level of riders before the trips begins so that we can make sure to have a suitable horse for you.
What elevation are the camps?
What is provided and what do I need to bring?
Explore Our What to Take ListOur trips are fully outfitted with horses, 1 guide for each two hunters, a cook, food, tents heated with wood stoves, scabbards, and all riding and camping gear. You should bring your own gun, ammunition, sleeping bag and personal items. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions. See a complete list of what to bring here.
Do you provide helmets?
Yes, we have helmets that you can use on the trip.
What is your cancellation policy?
Deposits are non-refundable but are transferable to another trip for one year from original booking. If you cancel after the full payment is made, a portion of the payment may be transferable to another trip for one year from original booking. There are no refunds for weather conditions, your personal emergencies, or other unforeseen incidents.
If you don’t draw a license, please see the following FAQ.
What if I don't get a hunting license?
The deposit is non-refundable unless you do not draw a license. In the case that you do not draw a license, you must notify us by May 1st and then the full $1,500 deposit is transferable to another trip for one year or can be refunded (minus a 5% admin fee).
What % of your clients are return customers?
75% are repeats for archery
40% repeats for rifle season
What distance generally are your shots for archery or rifle?
Rifle: We shoot from 100 yards to about 400 yards
Archery: We have had elk as close as 10 yards and don't shoot at anything over 40 yards.
Will there be cell service on our trip?
There maybe cell service occasionally when you are out hunting if you go up high, so you might be able to text or make a phone call depending on the service. We have a satellite phone in camp for emergencies.
Summer Frequently Asked Questions
Why don't you take summer trips before July 10?
We do not take pack trips until after July 10 because we have to wait for the snow pack to melt in the high country. The rivers are also very high and dangerous to cross.
What is provided and what do I need to bring?
Explore Our What to Take ListThese pack trips all go into roadless areas and are fully outfitted with horses, a cook, excellent meals, tents, guides and all riding and camping gear. You should bring your own sleeping bag, fishing gear, camera and other personal items. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions.
What elevation are the camps?
Do you need a lot of horseback riding experience?
We have horses to suit any type of rider, from the beginner to the experienced rider. However, we do like to know the height, weight and experience-level of riders before the trip begins so that we can make sure to have a suitable horse for you.
Are you in grizzly bear country?
We are in bear country so we have guidelines in place to reduce bear contact. We keep a clean camp and will have bear spray available if wanted. We bring our dogs to help with wrangling livestock and keeping animals out of camp.
Where can we park our vehicle while we are on the trip?
We have a large parking area and you can park your vehicle at our headquarters while we are out on the trip.
What time will we depart and what time should we expect to be back?
We ask that you meet at our headquarters at 131 Pray Rd at 8:00 am. We will take you to the trailhead. On the day you come out, we arrive at the trailhead around 4:00 pm and will be back to our headquarters by about 5 pm.
What value do we bring to your backcountry experience?
We know that booking a backcountry experience is a considerable investment. With safety as our top priority, we strive to create a trip of a lifetime.
- We own our horses and mules, where as many outfitters lease their stock. Gary has trained most of the horses that we ride. So we know them (including which mules might eat your lunch out of your saddle bags).
- We offer home cooked meals with fresh salads, rolls, breads and desserts.
- We have smaller trips (8 people limit, often 4-6) so we are able to tailor the experience to your group.
- Black Otter has been operating for over 50 years and Gary has over 30 years experience.
What length/duration of days do you offer for your pack-in trips?
We offer a variety of lengths of trips and locations.
Grizzly Creek Camp
We reach this semi-permanent tent camp in the heart of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area after a 16-mile ride over majestic Wallace Pass. This is one of our most popular and spectacular areas with fine cutthroat trout fishing in nearby Carpenter Lake, Grizzly Creek and Hellroaring Creek. We take four to seven day trips into this camp.
Travel Camps
We offer travel trips that spend 3 nights in one camp and then move to another camp for 3 nights. We offer seven to ten day travel trips. These trips leave from Slough Creek Trailhead in Yellowstone National Park.
How does your booking work exactly?
A deposit of 30% is collected when you book your trip, the remaining balance is due two weeks before your trip. The deposit is non-refundable. Deposits are transferable to another trip for one year at our discretion in the event of extenuating circumstances. If you cancel after the full payment is made, a portion of the payment may be transferable to another trip for one year from original booking. There are no refunds for weather conditions.
What is your pricing?
Grizzly Creek Camp - $450 per person per day
Travel Trips - $500 per person per day
This includes transportation from our headquarters to the trailhead, riding horse, all meals and snacks and guided trips while in our camp.
What is your policy on deposits and cancellations?
A deposit of 50% is collected when you book your trip, the remaining 50% is due two weeks prior to your trip. The deposit is non-refundable. Deposits are transferable to another trip for one year at our discretion in the event of extenuating circumstances. If you cancel after the full payment is made, a portion of the payment may be transferable to another trip for one year from original booking. There are no refunds for weather conditions.
What activities do you provide on the non-travel days or set up and break down days at camp (ie, guided hikes or rides?)
We are flexible in what guests are able to do while in camp. Some activities that are available are:
- Hikes up the hills behind camp for fantastic views of the valley.
- Hike or ride to Carpenter Lake for fantastic fishing for cutthroat trout.
- Ride to Hellroaring River for fishing.
- Scenic ride to a bridge that spans Hellroaring Creek or other locations.
- Fishing Grizzly Creek that is right at camp.
Here is an outline of the 4-day schedule:
- Day 1 Meet at Black Otter Headquarters at 8 AM at 131 Pray Rd, Pray, MT
- Ride 16 miles into camp. We will eat lunch during the ride. Normally we arrive around 4 pm.
- Day 2 Open - You can decide what you want to do the night before.
- Day 3 Open - You can decide what you want to do the night before.
- Day 4 We will eat breakfast around 7 am and pack up to ride out. We will eat lunch during the ride and usually arrive at the trailhead around 4 pm.
Where do your pack trips go exactly?
The answer to this question depends on the type of trip that you book.
- Our Grizzly Creek Camp is located at an elevation of 7,600 ft so it is quite an experience! Click here to see the camp on google earth.
- The Slough Creek or Buffalo Creek camps that we use for our travel trips are in the Custer-Gallatin National Forest, north of Yellowstone National Park.
Our camps are authorized under a special-use permit from the Custer Gallatin National Forest.
We are an authorized Concessioner of the National Park Service to serve the public in Yellowstone National Park. —#CC-YELL-140
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