406 Wilderness Outfitters

406 Wilderness Outfitters has been operating in Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness since 1932. Bud and Adelle Cheff started the tradition nearly a century ago because, in Bud's words, "so few people really got to see" the lakes, cliffs, glaciers, waterfalls, and wild animals hidden in those mountains. Their son Mick and his wife Karen expanded the business to three camps along the South Fork river corridor. Today, Mark Cheff and his wife Claire run the Holbrook Camp operation, carrying on the family legacy with the same approach: get people into the wilderness they love.

Early rifle hunts happen when bull elk are actively bugling across mountain canyons at first light. Hunters base out of the Holbrook Camp on Holbrook Creek and ride excellent mountain horses through some of the most remote country in the Continental US. The hunting area includes territory around Scarface Mountain, Haystack Mountain, Turtle Head, Burnt Creek, and Charlotte Peak.

A typical hunt day starts with hearty breakfast by lantern light in the cook tent, then you ride in the dark to reach your hunting spot at first light. Expect a mix of riding and hiking, calling, waiting quietly, and reading elk sign. Evenings bring another home-cooked meal and stories around the cook tent fire.

Hunt dates and structure: - Archery Season: September 7–13 (7 days) - Regular Season: September 14–22, September 25–October 3, October 6–14, October 17–25 (all 9 days) - Late Season: October 29–November 6, November 9–17 (9 days) - Guide ratio: 1 guide per 2 hunters - Fully guided trips—bring only your personal gear

Mule deer live in the high country around the Bob Marshall. Guides know where to find impressive bucks and will work with you to reach the alpine terrain where they feed.

Whitetail deer are a growing population in the area. The Flathead National Forest ranks among the best public land whitetail country in the Continental US according to Boone and Crockett records—hunters serious about trophy whitetails find good opportunities here.

Black bear hunts work as standalone trips or combination hunts with elk or deer. The area has a growing bear population and offers genuine wilderness hunting experiences.

Many hunters combine species on the same trip. Wolf, moose, and mountain goat tags are also available.

The South Fork of the Flathead River and White River are fly fishing destinations. The magazine A River Runs Through It famous quote—"all good things, trout as well as eternal salvation, come by grace and grace comes by art"—captures the experience here.

Fly fishing trips follow a structure similar to hunts: - Day 1: Arrive at Holland Lake or Meadow Creek Trailhead, ride 25–28 miles to Holbrook basecamp, settle in - Days 2–6: Fish the South Fork or White River from camp, with options to ride to Big Salmon Lake (the largest lake in the Bob Marshall), swim, or use inflatable paddleboards - Trips are tailored to your fishing interests and skill level

Allan Simpson, a fly fishing instructor and blogger, wrote about his 406 Wilderness Outfitters experience and described crystal clear water with abundant fish.

If hunting and fishing aren't the primary draw, 406 also offers scenic horse packing trips, roving pack camps, and guided hiking trips into the same wilderness. Guests sleep in wall tents, eat family-style meals prepared by camp cooks, and explore terrain few people ever see.

Base: Holbrook Camp, Charlo, Montana 59824 (on Holbrook Creek near the confluence of South Fork Flathead River and White River)

Trailheads: Holland Lake Trailhead and Meadow Creek Trailhead (25–28 mile ride to basecamp)

Service area: Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex—Montana's largest wilderness

• •Credit card payments: 3% convenience fee applies
• •Gratuity: Not included in price; industry standard is 10–20% tip for wilderness trips
• •All monies are non-refundable; failure to make installments forfeits deposit and cancels reservation

The Cheff family has a reputation for seamless, memorable trips. Jean P. from Stevensville took her family of four (including daughters ages 12 and 14) on a week-long trip and called it "the most memorable and seamless of all trips thanks to the unique and family-friendly service the Cheff's provide."

Benjamin N. from upstate New York described his 40th birthday trip with college friends as "a once in a lifetime" experience. Forbes Magazine featured 406 Wilderness Outfitters in August 2018 with an article titled "What Happens When An Eastern Greenhorn Rides Into The Wilderness With A Famous Montana Outfitter," highlighting how wilderness trips transform guests.

Phone: 406-544-5506 or 406-529-5363

Operating since: 1932