GUIDED HUNTING TRIP INFORMATION
BOOKING TERMS: DEPOSITS, RESERVATIONS AND CANCELLATIONS
There are a limited number of hunts each year so many hunters are booking 1 or 2 years in advance. For preferred dates, it is important to book early. To secure your dates, we require a 50% deposit. All bookings are first come first serve. However, no hunts are considered booked until full deposits are received. Special arrangements may be arranged until full deposits are received.
Deposits are fully refunded if you are unsuccessful in drawing a license, providing all applications were timely and properly filled out. However, if you are hunting two species of animal and we are successful in drawing one species license, your deposits are non-refundable. The price of the hunt will be adjusted accordingly. No rate reduction or refund for hunters who fail to arrive on prearranged dates, depart early or cancel within 60 days of application deadline. Personal checks are acceptable only for deposits; balance is due in the form of travelers check, cashier’s check, money order or personal checks 60 days prior to hunt.
LOCATION & TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
S&W outfitters, Inc. has two camps. East Fork Camp is located 100 miles north of Billings or 24 miles south of Lewistown on 238. Wolf Creek Camp is located 90 miles southwest of Bozeman or 28 miles south of Ennis on 287.
For those wishing to fly, two commercial airlines, Delta and Northwest fly regular schedule flights into Billings-Logan International Airport and Bozeman’s Gallatin Field. We will meet you on your arrival or pick you up at the motel. You may rent a car and drive in. If you choose to drive, we will provide directions to a meeting point and time. We recommend, if possible, for clients to arrive a day early, to make sure all equipment and gear (baggage) arrives also. several motels in Billings and Bozeman offer free shuttle pickup to and from the airport.
We will gladly recommend motels in the Billings and Bozeman areas, if requested. We request our clients to arrive at camp at 2:00 pm the day prior to their scheduled hunt and leave by 10:00 am the morning following their last scheduled day of hunting.
GENERAL CAMP INFORMATION
Our East Fork Camp will accommodate up to eight hunters, but smaller parties are equally welcome. Hunting parties of 6 or more, with secured dates will have the camp to themselves with no other hunting parties included.
Wolf Creek Camp accommodates up to six hunters.
In camp, guests are provided with a bunk, a foam mattress and a pillow. Hot hearty meals are served in the dining area. Our cooks take pride in cooking meals for the heartiest appetites. Items to be furnished by the hunter are rifle and/or bow, sleeping bag, license, clothing and personal items.
GENERAL GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
We suggest for the rifle hunters: A good, flat shooting rifle with a good variable scope. For antelope and deer: 243, 270, 7mm, 30-06 or comparable rifle. For elk: 7mm, 300 mag, 338 mag, or comparable rifle. Also, two boxes of shells, orange vest and a bi-pod.
For bow hunters we recommend a bow with a minimum draw weight of 60 lbs., a dozen arrows, a dozen of three or four bladed broadheads, three sets of good camouflage patterns (such as Realtree, Treebark, Asat, etc.) and an old bow stamp or bow hunter safety certification from their home state is required.
A recommended list of gear to bring will be sent to you upon request. In Montana, fall weather conditions can change rapidly from 70 degrees to -20 degrees in a matter of hours. Layering clothing is a must.
We recommend that every hunter and archer know their respective weapon and practice shooting various yardage’s in different positions as much as possible throughout the year. Each and every hunter should get in the best possible physical condition, so as not to hinder their hunt. A prerequisite is good physical shape, shooting ability and in some cases horse skills and licensing.
LODGING INFORMATION
East Fork Camp
Arrival and Return
Please call the Rimrock Inn in Billings, MT $60 – $80/night – 1.800.624.9770
Wolf Creek
Arrival
Arrangements will be made by the Outfitter to stay at the Driftwaters Resort the day before you ride into camp. Breakfast is included. the Lodge is located 20 min. from the trailhead. This is a $55 cost to the hunter.
Returns
The Gran Tree Inn
Bozeman, MT $120 might 1-2 guests. Airport transportation included with stay Outfitter discount.
1.800.624.5865
Additional Lodging Options
- Belgrade / Bozeman Airport: Quality Inn, email: gm.mt053@choicehotels.com
- Helena: Downtown Holiday Inn https://downtownhelena.com/listing/holiday-inn-conference-center-downtown/
- Big Sky Guided Fishing Trip lodging – www.bucksT4.com
- Big Sky House Rental – www.bigskyhaus.com
Fly Fishing adventures
There are many lodging options when you are out for your fishing vacation. Give us a call to make arrangements that fit your budget and area you plan to fly fish.
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Delta & United are the main carriers into Montana. Hunters coming to the East Fork Camp should fly in and out of Billings, Montana. Hunters coming to the Wolf Creek or Corral Creek Camps should fly in and out of Bozeman, Montana.
HUNTING EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
- Secure Pick-up Arrangements
Prior to your trip confirm arrival dates and balance due - Archery Stamp (bow hunters only)
It is mandatory to show proof of 2019-2020 archery stamp. Montana archery stamps can be purchased online or by mail - Hunting Licenses
Be sure to have all tags secured 30 days before you depart - Driver’s License or photo I.D.
- Jackets; light & heavy (Gore-Tex shell)Neutral or Camo Colors
- Hunting Pants
Neutral or Camo Colors - Socks – Good Quality
- Cap (for warm & cold weather)
- Long-johns (poly-pro or capelene)Layering clothing is best for all conditions
- Hunter’s Orange (400 sq. inches)(gun only) Vest on upper body is mandatory
- Camo-clothing
- Sleeping Bag
- Towel
- Boots – Pacs & Leather
insulated, waterproof, air-bobbed, soled boots are best. You should receive a mailing from Schnee’s Boots - Range Finder (optional)
- Pillow Case
- Water Bottle
Nalgene screw top recommended - Toothbrush/Toiletries
- Battery Alarm Clock/or Watch
- Binoculars
- Flashlight/Pen Light
LED Headlamp recommended - Guns and Shells
scope covers recommended - Knife
- Camera/film
- Matches/lighter
- Comfortable shoes for around camp
- Fanny pack/small backpack
EXTRA COSTS TO THE HUNTER
License – http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/license
- Nonresident General Draw
- Antelope – $212
- Mountain Goat – $1,290
- Elk/Deer Big Game Combo – $1,075
- Elk Only – $920
- Deer Combo – $640
- Bear – $362
- Nonresident Misc. Licenses
- Turkey – $115
- Archery – $11
- Bonus Point Fee – $21
- Preference Point – $50 (suggested)
Game Processing/Shipping
- Deer – $75
- Antelope – $60
- Shipping: $75 – $125
- Elk – $200 – $250
- Shipping: $300 – $700
Hotel Reservations
- Bozeman: $85 – $105
- Billings: $45 – $52
- Corral/Wolf Camps: $50
- Big Sky: $90 – $125
- Belgrade: $50 – $60
- Helena: $99 – $115
Flight Transportation
- Approx. $480 – $580
Additional Helpful Links
Visiting Montana – www.visitmt.com
Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks – www.fwp.mt.gov
Montana Board of Outfitters – www.mt.gov
Road & Weather Conditions – www.mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation – www.rmef.org
Summer Horse back – www.rockinhk.com
Montana Outfitters and Guides Association – www.montanaoutfitters.org
Travel Insurance – www.travleguard.com