
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...
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Full description and what we offer
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:
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
Works with Yellowstone Game Processing (Bozeman) and Matt's Meats (Livingston)—both offer processing and shipping; turnaround typically 2-3 days.
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
Family-friendly wilderness escapes into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. High demand—book early.
| Trip Type | Duration | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grizzly Creek Camp | 4-7 days | $450/person/day | 16-mile ride over Wallace Pass; Carpenter Lake, Grizzly Creek, Hellroaring Creek fishing; semi-permanent tent camp |
| Travel Camps | 4-7 days | $500/person/day | Dome tents, home-cooked meals; start from Slough Creek (Yellowstone) or Grizzly Creek |
| Buffalo Fork Camp | Variable | $500/person/day | Ride from Grizzly Creek over Hummingbird Pass through Telephone Basin |
| Slough Creek Camp | Variable | $500/person/day | World-famous cutthroat fishing; historic Frenchy homestead; rides to Cutoff Mountain |
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
Authorization: - Montana Outfitter #1115 - Special-use permit from Custer Gallatin National Forest - National Park Service Concessioner (#CC-YELL-140) for Yellowstone National Park
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