Big Game Hunting in Yellowstone Country

While hunting is prohibited inside Yellowstone National Park, it is permitted on the surrounding public lands and national forest areas. For example, hunting is allowed in nearby Gallatin National Forest. Also, there are literally millions of acres of private land where hunting opportunities are available.

A variety of big game are available in Yellowstone Country. Elk, moose, black bear, bison, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and white tail deer are all possibilities. Prior to your hunt, you'll need a Montana and/or Wyoming hunting license and a tag. You might need to complete a hunting safety course in order to obtain your hunting license.

Because of the complexity of planning a successful hunt in our area, we strongly recommend you hire an experienced outfitter to work out the details. We listed some of our favorites below.

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Beartooth Plateau Outfitters

Location: 302 East Main Street, Cooke City, MT

Phone: 800-253-8545

Beartooth Plateau Outfitters specializes in elk hunting. They offer Montana rifle elk hunts and Montana archery elk hunts. The hunts typically take seven days and are on horseback, allowing you to get deep into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Archery hunts take place in September and early October. Rifle hunts are in October and November. Early rifle hunts start off in Cooke City. If you need information on Montana Hunting Licenses and tags, give them a call.

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Hell's A-Roarin' Outfitters

Location: 164 Crevice Road, Gardnier, MT

Phone: 406-848-7578

Hell's A-Roarin' Outfitters offer a variety of hunts, including elk, bear, and even wolf. Elk hunts are seven days, and the hunting area, on the northern boundary of Yellowstone National Park, is accessed by horseback. Elk hunts take place from mid-September through mid-October. If you're interested in bear hunting, it is possible to combine a fall bear hunt with an elk hunt. If it's still wolf season when you arrive, you can just buy a wolf tag in Gardiner, Montana. Note that they are not currently booking wolf hunts.

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Montana Guide Service

Location: 80 Mol Heron Creek Road, Gardiner, MT

Phone: 406-848-7265

Montana Guide Service has access to over 8,000 acres of private land, as well as the public lands just outside Yellowstone National Park. They also guide in Gallatin National Forest lands. While they specialize in elk hunting, they also guide hunts for deer, black bear, and antelope. In addition, they'll be glad to help you with special permit drawings for other big game. Archery hunts are typically in September and October. Rifle hunts are in October and November. Note that Montana Guide Service hunts typically last four or five days and are priced accordingly.

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Hubbard's Yellowstone Outfitters

Location: 287 Tom Miner Creek Road, Emigrant, MT

Phone: 406-223-0220

Hubbard's Yellowstone Outfitters provide guided hunts for resident and migratory elk on the border of Yellowstone National Park. Combined with private lands they can use, Hubbard's has over 20 square miles of land available for hunting. They also are permitted to operate in Gallatin National Forest. You can also have elk and deer combination hunts, if that's something that interests you. Rifle hunts take place in October and November, and last for five days. Hubbard's Yellowstone Outfitters do not access their hunting sites by horseback. Instead, they use jeeps, trucks, and argos to get where they need to be. If you need information on how to get a tag or license, give them a call. They'll be glad to help. Note that their current hunters have first right of refusal for the following year's hunts, so you definitely want to contact Hubbard's about any possible waiting list.

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