Montana Black Bear Hunting Lodge
For those seeking an exceptional Montana black bear hunting experience, this outfitter offers world-class hunts in the Yaak Valley and the northwest corner of the state. This region boasts one of the highest black bear populations in the lower 48 states, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks recognizes it as the best black bear hunting area in the state. With nearly 500 square miles of hunting territory and a team of expert guides, they provide a true fair-chase, spot-and-stalk experience, focusing on exploration, glassing, and the thrill of the stalk. The black bears harvested typically measure 5 to 6 ½ feet from nose to tail and weigh between 200 to 350 pounds.Spring and Fall Black Bear Hunts
This great Montana outfitter offers both spring and fall black bear hunts, each unique in it’s own way. The bears in this region exhibit a variety of color phases, from classic jet black to cinnamon and chocolate. Some bears even display a striking mix of all three hues.Spring Hunts
Spring black bear hunts are among the most popular offered by this Montana hunting lodge. As bears emerge from their dens, they head to lower elevations in search of fresh grasses and clover, their primary food sources in early spring. These hunts involve traditional spot-and-stalk methods, often focusing on logging roads, open meadows, and logged areas where bears are actively feeding. Hunters can expect to cover significant ground, making these hunts perfect for those who enjoy an active pursuit in breathtaking mountain landscapes.Fall Hunts
Fall black bear hunts provide a different but equally rewarding challenge. During this season, bears are concentrated in high basins and berry patches, where they feed heavily in preparation for winter hibernation. The spot-and-stalk approach is again employed, with hunters focusing on areas abundant with berries. Occasionally, bears on the move between feeding grounds can be intercepted, offering exciting opportunities for a successful hunt.Licensing and Seasons
Non-residents can purchase a black bear license through the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website.- Spring Season: Mid-April through Mid-May
- Fall Archery Season: September 1st – September 14th
- Fall Rifle Season: September 15th – November 25th
Included:
- Guide Fees
- Lodging, and daily pack lunch for 6 full days of hunting
- Game retrieval
- Transportation of game to taxidermist and processing
Not Included:
- Travel to and from hunting area
- License and Tags
- Taxes
- Shipping of trophy
- Taxidermy
- Breakfast and Dinner
- Your Personal Hunting Gear
- Trip Insurance
- Tips for your guide. While not required, it is very much appreciated, and guides often depend on them as supplemental income. Learn how much to tip a hunting guide.
Montana Black Bear Hunting Lodge — Outdoors International Hunt #OI-LOC3
For hunters seeking an exceptional black bear experience in the American West, this hunt takes place in the Yaak Valley and the northwest corner of Montana — a region recognized by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks as the best black bear hunting area in the state and home to one of the highest black bear populations in the lower 48 states. Our outfitter manages nearly 500 square miles of hunting territory, guided by a team of experienced professionals dedicated to a true fair-chase, spot-and-stalk pursuit.
About the Bears
The black bears of this region are notable for both their size and their variety of color phases. Hunters may encounter bears displaying:
- Classic jet black coats
- Cinnamon coloration
- Chocolate phases
- A striking mix of all three hues on a single animal
Bears harvested in this area typically measure 5 to 6½ feet from nose to tail and weigh between 200 and 350 pounds, representing mature, quality animals from a thriving population.
Hunting Methods
All hunts are conducted as fair-chase, spot-and-stalk hunts. Your guide will focus on exploration, careful glassing of terrain, and the thrill of closing the distance on a bear. This approach rewards patience, physical fitness, and an appreciation for wild mountain landscapes. Both rifle and archery equipment are welcome, with dedicated seasons for each.
Spring Black Bear Hunts
Spring hunts are among the most popular offerings at this Montana hunting lodge. As bears emerge from their winter dens, they descend to lower elevations in search of fresh grasses and clover — their primary food sources in early spring. This predictable feeding behavior creates excellent glassing and stalking opportunities.
- Hunters focus on logging roads, open meadows, and logged areas where bears actively feed
- Significant ground is covered each day, making these hunts ideal for active, mobile hunters
- The backdrop of Montana’s mountain landscapes adds to the experience
Spring Season Dates: Mid-April through Mid-May
Fall Black Bear Hunts
Fall hunts offer a different but equally rewarding challenge. As temperatures drop, bears shift their focus to high basins and berry patches, feeding heavily to build fat reserves before winter hibernation — a behavior known as hyperphagia.
- Your guide will concentrate efforts on berry-rich areas at higher elevations
- Bears moving between feeding sites can be intercepted, providing exciting opportunities
- The spot-and-stalk method is again employed, demanding glassing skill and careful approach
- Fall foliage adds a spectacular visual element to the hunt
Fall Archery Season: September 1 – September 14
Fall Rifle Season: September 15 – November 25
Licensing and Regulations
Non-resident hunters can purchase a Montana black bear license directly through the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website. Licensing is the responsibility of the individual hunter and is not included in the hunt package. Our outfitter and your Outdoors International consultant can help answer general questions about the process.
What Is Included
- Guide fees for the duration of your hunt
- Lodging at the hunting lodge
- Daily pack lunch for 6 full days of hunting
- Game retrieval in the field
- Transportation of game to taxidermist and processor
What Is Not Included
- Travel to and from the hunting area
- License and tags
- Applicable taxes
- Shipping of trophy
- Taxidermy services
- Breakfast and dinner
- Your personal hunting gear
- Trip insurance
- Tips for your guide — while not required, they are very much appreciated
Planning Your Hunt with Outdoors International
At Outdoors International, we understand that meticulous planning and seamless logistics are essential to a successful, stress-free hunt. Our fully vetted outfitter will work to handle every detail on the ground, allowing you to focus entirely on the adventure ahead. Your OI consultant is available throughout the booking process and after your hunt to ensure every aspect of your trip meets expectations.
Whether you choose a spring spot-and-stalk through Montana’s awakening valleys or a fall pursuit through high-elevation berry basins, this hunt in the Yaak Valley offers a genuine wilderness black bear experience in one of North America’s most productive bear habitats.
Lodging and Accommodations
This is essentially a lodge based hunt.
Guests stay in their own cabins with 2-4 hunters per cabin. We do not mix parties. Cabins are essentially small log homes and are custom made and equipped with full baths, queen bed downstairs, twin beds in loft, all cooking utensils, full kitchen, gas grills, flannel sheets, and wi-fi. Request a Trip Insurance quote
Booking Information
Please note that reservations are not considered finalized until agreed upon deposit is received. This ensures agreed upon dates and current pricing. Quality outfitters are in high demand so let us know right away, as some trips do book years in advance.