Black Bear Hunting in Montana
We offer both wilderness and private land black bear hunting. Wilderness black bear hunting takes place in the fall. Private land black bear hunting is offered in the Spring.
Fall black bear hunting is offered as part of our wilderness archery and rifle hunting combination packages. Though elk is the priority species in a combination hunt, having a black bear tag would allow you the opportunity, if presented, to harvest a black bear.
Spring black bear hunting on private land is fair chase, spot and stalk. Spring bear hunts are offered Mid-April – Mid-June. Big boar caliber rifles are preferred for this hunt. Spring black bear hunts are scheduled with the outfitter upon request. Please call 406-579-3866.
Our bear hunting area covers approximately 75,000 acres of private land in southwest Montana. It consists of rolling hills with deep timbered creeks creating incredible habitat for fair chase spot and stalk bear hunting. Our ranches are second to none when it comes to bear hunting in Montana. We glass south sloping hillsides that green up every day with the spring sunshine. Bears are hungry coming out of their dens and gorge themselves on the fresh green grass chutes poking up from the winter stricken ground.
The hunt is based out of our lodge in Big Timber, MT. This 1×1 adventure begins with an early breakfast and morning hunt. We return to the lodge for lunch and a midday nap, then head back to the ranches for the evening hunt and hunt until dark. The days are long in the spring so a midday nap is usually necessary. Expect long hours of glassing and covering the country in trucks, jeeps, or side x sides. The typical shot distance is 200 to 400 yards depending on the hunter’s experience. We are lucky in our area to have all color phases of blackbear which include cinnamon, blond, brown, and of course black. Our hunters typically see several bears during their hunt. This allows the hunters the opportunity to pass on bears if they are so inclined, however we always say “don’t pass on something the first day that you would be happy with on the last.”
These hunts include an arrival day, 5 days of hunting and a departure day.
$3500 per hunter (includes meals and lodging)
Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks (MFWP) hunting regulations and dates are released in March of each year. Please check the MFWP website for confirmation of season dates.
Spring Black Bear Hunts
Location: Private land
Accommodations: lodge and meals provided
7-Day Trip: arrival day, 5 days hunting, departure day
License needed: Black Bear License (requires Black Bear Identification test. Take online at MFWP.
License deadline: April 14th
Fall Black Bear Hunts
Location: Outfitter permitted area in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness
Accommodations: tent camp and meals provided
7-Day Trip: 1 day in, 5 days hunting, 1 day out
License needed: Black Bear License (requires Black Bear Identification test. Take online at MFWP.
License deadline: August 31st
Fulfill Your Sense of Adventure.
General licensing information
Important Information for Resident and Non-Resident Hunters before applying for hunting licenses
If you were born after January 1, 1985, you are required to show proof of completing a Montana hunter safety and education course or an approved hunter safety course from any other state or province prior to applying for or purchasing a hunting license whether the hunting license is for rifle or archery.
All first time bow and arrow license purchasers must enter their bowhunter education certificate number (NBEF) or a previous years archery license number from any state or province.
If you intend to purchase a black bear license for the first time, you need to have passed the FWP Bear Identification test. It can be found online at FWP’s website. Click on Education, then Hunter Education. Choose Bear Identification Program.
All licenses requiring a kill tag such as deer, elk, wolf, mountain lion, mountain goat, antelope, etc. will be mailed to you from MFWP. Make sure the address you used when you applied for or purchased your license is the address to which you want your license mailed. If your purchase included a combination license, then the conservation & fishing portion of that will also be mailed to you. Always print a copy of your application and receipt. This is your proof of application. Once the draws are posted you will want to be checking your mail to be sure you receive your license. If you do not receive your license within 3 weeks of the posted draw, call MFWP and let them know. Licenses purchased online not requiring a kill tag must be printed from your home printer. These licenses which are now in your physical possession are valid for immediate use.
If you need to purchase licenses for yourself and immediate family members, you must do so in separate transactions and provide the appropriate identification required for each individual.
Non-residents who do not have an ALS number established and are purchasing a conservation license for the first time must be prepared to provide the last 4 digits of their social security number per Montana Code Annotated to comply with the Federal Welfare Reform Law. A conservation license is required when purchasing a hunting or fishing license.
Hunting Deposit & Payment Policy
A partial deposit of $1000 is required to book your hunt. If you do not draw a license, the $1000 partial deposit will be rolled over to the following year, if space is available, or refunded. The drawing takes place in mid-April. The remainder of the deposit (50% of the cost of the hunt) is due when the draw is posted and is non-refundable. The balance of the hunt is due 30 days prior to your hunt and is non-refundable. Hunts not fully paid by this date will be considered cancelled. We recommend Trip Cancellation Insurance. Montana Outfitters & Guides Association suggests Global Rescue Travel Insurance.
All hunts will include an additional fee of $50 for the Hunter/Angler Defense Fund. This fund was set up by Montana Outfitters & Guides Association for the purpose of defending non-resident hunting and fishing rights in the State of Montana. (Information on HADF can be found in the General Hunting Information Packet.)
We accept Credit Cards (Visa/MasterCard only) and Checks. Make Checks Payable to: Absaroka-Beartooth Outfitters, Inc.