Black Bear Hunts in Montana

Featured Hunts

We think these three hunts should be at the top of your list.

Fall Bear Hunt

Montana black bear are fair game in both the fall and spring! Color phase bears in shades of cinnamon, chocolate, and blonde are seen more frequently than jet black bears. In fact, the Swan Valley is home to some of the best black bear hunting in Montana. Our bear hunts often utilize horses, which makes us a very unique option for guided bear hunts in Montana. Montana bear hunting in our area is pure fair chase, no baiting or use of dogs, in fact we can’t even use scents. The Swan Valley is one of the few areas in Montana that remains open for black bear hunting until June 15th. In the spring these animals are very active. They consolidate in numbers on the valley floor taking advantage of the new growth to bulk up after hibernation. Using a combination of horses and hiking, we’ll hunt rockslides, search old logging roads and mountain meadows for scat and sit clear cuts. Hunters can elect to take some time to fish, taking advantage of our “Cast & Blast” offering where you can have an opportunity to shoot a black bear, catch a lake trout and a northern pike all on the same adventure.

4200

Swan Mountain Outfitters

Fair Chase

Public

Tent

Yes

Wood Burning Stove

Cot

Meals Provided

Unspecified

4200

Spring Spot & Stalk Black Bear Hunting - 2x1

Montana is known for producing high numbers of color phase black bears, on average over 60% of our bears are either brown, cinnamon, or blonde. We only hunt using spot and stalk tactics. A spring bear hunt can be one of the most enjoyable and beautiful times of the year to hunt in Montana. The weather is nice, the mountains are vibrant with spring colors and there are usually lots of other animals to see during your hunt. Deer, Elk, Moose, etc. We take a limited number of hunters each year to maximize the quality and success of our hunts. We spend the day glassing from vantage points in order to locate a bear that is in a good position for a stalk. Weather can play a big factor in day to day movement but our hunters typically see multiple bears during their hunt. A spot and stalk hunt in the mountains of Montana can be physically demanding, similar to an elk hunt. If you arrive in good shape you will have a much better chance of being successful. Our hunt area is very open country and we can see for great distances, this helps us spot bears but makes for some longer shot opportunities. To give yourself the best chance of being successful you should be comfortable shooting out to 300 yards.

4500

Montana Big Game Outfitters

Fair Chase

Private

Tent

Yes

Wood Burning Stove

Cot

Meals Provided

Unspecified

4500

Spring Bear Hunt

4200

Swan Mountain Outfitters

Fair Chase

Public

Tent

Yes

Wood Burning Stove

Cot

Meals Provided

Unspecified

4200

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About Our Black Bear Hunts in Montana

Most important info about these hunts—landscapes, strategies, costs, and comforts.

Summary & Terrain

Montana’s diverse landscapes—from open river valleys and rolling foothills to steep timbered slopes and mountain clearcuts—support healthy populations of American black bear, including a high percentage of color phases such as cinnamon, blonde, and brown. Hunts are typically conducted on public and adjoining private lands renowned for scenic beauty and wildlife abundance. Whether glassing sprawling meadows from high benches, riding horses into alder-choked drainages, or stalking along rocky slides and logging roads, hunters experience classic Western backcountry in pursuit of wary, free-ranging bears.

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Difficulty & Strategy

These fair-chase hunts rely exclusively on spot-and-stalk tactics, with no bait, dogs, or scent lures. Guided one-on-one, hunters glass from vantage points to locate bears feeding or moving on new forage, then make careful uphill approaches or packhorse-supported stalks through varied terrain. Physical demands can mirror those of an elk hunt: long hikes over uneven ground, occasional packouts, and shot opportunities that may extend beyond 200–300 yards in open country. Good fitness, comfort with elevation changes, and solid long-range shooting skills enhance your odds of success.

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Amenities

Black bear hunts in Montana typically operate from remote tent camps outfitted with wood-burning stoves for reliable heat. Sleeping arrangements feature canvas wall tents furnished with cots and basic bedding, providing a straightforward yet comfortable shelter in backcountry settings. Camps are sited near prime bear habitats—such as forested ridges, creek bottoms, and brushy meadows—to minimize travel to hunting areas. Outfitters supply firewood, stove-safe cooking areas, and essential camp gear, ensuring warmth and functionality in variable weather. On-site field care services usually include skinning, quartering, and meat packing for local processing or donation, as well as preparation of hides and skulls for transport and mounting.

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Season & Additional Info

Black bear seasons in Montana span both spring and fall. Spring hunts (April 15–June 15 in select districts) capitalize on bears emerging from dens and feeding on fresh green growth in valley bottoms and lower slopes. Fall hunts focus on berry- and mast-concentrated areas as bears fatten before winter. Many outfitters take only a handful of hunters per season to ensure quality and flexibility. Some programs even offer “cast-and-blast” options—combining bear stalking with trout or pike fishing—to round out the wilderness experience.

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Pricing

Black bear hunts in Montana typically run in the $5,000–6,000 range, averaging about $5,200 per hunter. Most packages are 3- to 5-day guided trips operating from remote tent camps heated by wood stoves. The primary cost drivers include the length of stay, one-on-one guide service, and the logistics of backcountry access. Entry-level hunts usually feature group guiding, shorter durations and basic tent accommodations. Mid-tier options extend the number of hunt days, offer more remote locations and private guide support. At the top end, hunters can expect prime dates in heavy-cover bear country, longer expedition windows and enhanced camp comforts. Nearly all outfitters include trophy care—skinning, quartering, salting and shipment of hides and skulls—as part of the package.

FAQs

What you need to know before you book:

Black Bear Hunts in Montana

Featured Hunts