Know Before You Go
Basic Rules
Outfitters and Guides
It is illegal to hire an outfitter or guide not licensed by the Department of Labor and Industry.
Hunter Orange Requirement – Rifle and Archery Hunters
Montana law requires that all big game hunters and those accompanying them (including guide/outfitter) must wear at least 400 square inches of Hunter Orange above the waist. A hat or cap alone is not sufficient. (Exception: bow hunters during special archery season.)
Bowhunters pursuing deer, elk, and/or antelope during the Archery Season (archery only) are not required to meet the hunter orange clothing requirements.
Predators and Nongame Hunting
Predators and nongame species are unprotected by federal and /or state law or regulation and can be hunted in Montana year-round without a license by both resident and non-resident hunters.
Predators
Animals classified as huntable predators are coyote, weasel, striped and spotted skunk.
Nongame Species
Nongame species are defined as any wild animal not otherwise legally classified by statute or regulation in Montana. Examples include badger, raccoon, red fox, hares, rabbits, ground squirrels, marmots, tree squirrels porcupines and prairie dogs.
Furbearers
Furbearers are protected game species that may only be taken by residents with a valid trapping license during prescribed open seasons. State classified furbearers include beaver, otter, muskrat, mink, marten, fisher, wolverine, bobcat lynx and swift fox.
Fire Arms
There is no rifle or hand gun caliber limitation for the taking of big game animals.
Archery Equipment
The bow shall be no shorter than 28 inches measured axle to axle. The nominal percent of let–off for hunting bows shall be a maximum of 80%. The arrow must be at least 20 inches in overall length. The arrow shall weigh no less than 300 grains with the broad head attached. Arrows must have a broad heads with at least two cutting edges. Expandable broad heads are legal as long as when expanded they are at 7/8 inches at the widest point, and weigh no less than 70 grains. A bow sight or arrows which use artificial light, luminous chemicals such as tritium, or electronics are prohibited.
* * Montana Outfitting Company is not responsible for any inaccuracies in the above information. All information is meant to be a helpful reminder. It is the hunter’s responsibility to research state rules and regulations. If you have further questions, please consult Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks for additional information.
What To Bring
Weather conditions vary greatly in Montana and it is important to be prepared. Temperatures can reach 70° (day) & 30° (night) during archery season & 40° (day) and 10° (night) during rifle season. Dressing in layers is the best way to stay warm or cool. Three layers of clothing is recommended – the first layer is the base layer (thin clothing next to skin), second layer is fleece for insulation and third layer is a shell/jacket that is breathable, waterproof material.
Must Have Items
- Licenses
- Base Layer Insulated Underwear
- Mid Layer Fleece
- Outer Layer Heavy Jacket
- Toiletries
- Medications
- Flashlight
- Lighter/Matches
- Socks One light pair and one heavy pair, wool is recommended
- Balaclava One that covers your head and neck
- Boots*
- Pants/Bibs loose fit pants that go over your base layer
- Gloves one pair light gloves and one pair heavy gloves
- Hats one brimmed and one knit
Suggested Items
- Chap Stick
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Batteries/Chargers for all electronics
- Book/Reading materials
Optional Items
- Backpack/Frame Pack
- Spotting Scope
- Video Camera/Charger
- WalkieTalkie/Charger
- Insect Repellant
- Hunting Knife
- GPS
- Compass
- Slippers/Loafers
- Rain Gear
Click here for a printable What To Bring list
FAQ
What is the weather going to be like?
Weather is very unpredictable in Montana and can change quickly. Archery season brings cold mornings and night temperatures average around freezing. The days can get pretty warm–up to 70°. Rifle season will average around 10° at night and 40° in the day, but it can get much colder, so please plan and dress accordingly.
What kind of ammo should I use?
We recommend a core lock bullet.
What is the rifle preference?
243 and up for deer and antelope, 270 and up for elk, sight in at 1 to 3 inches high at 100 yards – depending on the caliber of gun.
Is alcohol allowed?
Yes. You must provide your own alcohol and, of course, drink responsibly. Absolutely no alcohol consumption while out hunting.
Is there a store to pick up minor items?
We can make brief stops on our way from the airport to get what you might need.
Where are my licenses?
All of your licenses will be mailed to you from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks or you can check online beginning approximately April 15.
Can I add an antelope hunt to my big game combo hunt?
Yes, since antelope season goes into big game rifle season, there is the option of adding an antelope hunt. We only offer antelope hunts the first 2 weeks of rifle season because the antelope begin dropping their sheaths.
What if one person in our hunting group gets an animal early?
That person can go with the remaining hunting partners or participate in limited activities that do not interfere with other hunters are available based on the area, such as:
- Watch TV
- Read a book
- Go for a nature walk/hike
- Watch taxidermy
Do you offer a Taxidermy Services?
Yes, once an animal has been harvested, we have professional taxidermist on site that handles your animal beginning with the skinning and can include a variety of additional services. The costs of the additional services are the responsibility of the hunter and can be negotiated with the taxidermist.
What about Meat Processing?
Meat processing is done by a professional meat processor in Big Sandy, MT. Meat is custom cut to the customer’s preferences. All meat is delivered by MOC to the meat processor and sent to the local foodbank. However, if you wish to keep your meat, it can be processed and shipped to you at your expense by the meat processor.
