Black Otter Guide Service

Black Otter Guide Service operates out of Livingston, Montana as a licensed outfitter (Montana Outfitter #1115) authorized by the National Park Service to guide trips in Yellowstone. They run two main operations: backcountry hunting trips and family summer camp adventures into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.

Hunting trips focus on Area 314, home to one of Montana's largest resident elk herds. The outfit runs from Big Creek Camp at 6,800 feet elevation and handles:

• •Elk hunts – Historical opportunity rate around 40% on public land; bulls taken typically exceed 300 inches
• •Mule deer hunting
• •Black bear and wolf tags (over-the-counter licenses available)
• •Mountain goat and moose (area-specific availability)

During archery season, they take 2 hunters at a time. Rifle season expands to 6 hunters maximum with one guide per two hunters. One-on-one hunts available for an additional fee.

Hunt Structure: - Meet at headquarters (131 Pray Rd) at 8:00 AM for rifle zeroing - Typical day: 1-2 hours riding to location, 2+ miles of hiking, morning and afternoon hunts with lunch - Return to trailhead around 2:00-3:00 PM - All game meat packed out and delivered to local processors

What's Included: - Horses and saddle scabbards (scoped rifles) - Guide (one per two hunters) - Cook - Tents heated with wood stoves - All riding and camping gear - Bear country protocols and bear spray available

What You Bring: - Rifle in 30-06 category with 4-power scope + 2 boxes ammunition (or bow + arrows) - Sleeping bag (5 lb down or polyfill) - Blaze orange vest (400 sq inches required) - Layered cold-weather clothing (20°F to 50°F range expected; prepare for -20° to +70°F) - Binoculars with rangefinder - Compass and hunting knife - 2 pair boots (one for hunting, one for camp) - Weight limit: 50 lbs

• •Cancellation: Deposits non-refundable but transferable to another trip within one year. If you don't draw a license, notify by May 1st and full deposit transfers.

• •Day Trips: Fish the world-famous Yellowstone River or local lakes for cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout.

• •Rate: $550 per day per boat (1-2 guests)
• •Includes: Hot lunch with appetizers, salad, main dish, and homemade pies/desserts
• •Options: Fly fishing or spin casting, float trips for sightseeing if preferred

Family-friendly wilderness escapes into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. High demand—book early.

Pre-Built Packages: - 4-Day Trip: $1,800/person (3 nights at Grizzly Creek) - 7-Day Trip: $3,500/person (3 nights Grizzly Creek + 3 nights Buffalo Fork or Slough Creek) - 10-Day Trip: $5,000/person (3 nights each: Grizzly Creek, Buffalo Fork, Slough Creek)

Summer Camp Includes: - Horses and gear - Guides - Home-cooked meals - Cots and foam pads at Grizzly Creek - Helmets available on request - Pit toilets at travel camps

Summer Camp Packing (30 lb limit): - Warm lightweight sleeping bag - Rain gear (jacket/pants) - Riding boots or well-broken hiking boots - Fishing tackle (fly rods recommended #4-5 weight, max 42" in cases) - Camp clothing: sweater, fleece, warm jacket, 2-3 shirts, 2 pair trousers/jeans, wool socks - Sunscreen, sunglasses, mosquito repellent - Camera, flashlight, pocket knife - Temperatures range 40°F-90°F

• •Headquarters: 131 Pray Rd, Livingston, MT 59047

Authorization: - Montana Outfitter #1115 - Special-use permit from Custer Gallatin National Forest - National Park Service Concessioner (#CC-YELL-140) for Yellowstone National Park

• •Parking: Large vehicle lot at headquarters while on trips.

• •Phone: 406-224-0035

• •Email: [email protected]

• •Booking: Call or text; risk acknowledgment form required before trip.