Musselshell Outfitters

Musselshell Outfitters has operated continuously since 1992 from a hunting camp located 60 miles northeast of Billings in the Bull Mountains. This isn't an operation that moves around or changes outfitters—Randy Higgins, the owner and licensed Montana outfitter, lives year-round in the area and has guided well over 6,000 clients on hunting trips. He started guiding for two of Montana's first licensed outfitters before starting his own operation, and also worked as a trail guide and wrangler in Yellowstone National Park.

They hunt private land across hunting districts 590, 530, 513, 540, and 700 in the Bull Mountains. The terrain sits between 3,000 and 4,500 feet elevation, featuring ponderosa pine forests and vast rim-rock canyons. The area has abundant feed from irrigated fields along the Musselshell River plus grain fields and high-protein native grasses. This is the same country where early mountain men wintered, feeding off huge buffalo herds.

"The Bull Mountains has quantity and quality." Animals in this area include huge elk, antelope, mule deer, whitetail, Merriam's turkey, pheasant, lion, and prairie dogs.

The camp sits at 3,200 feet elevation in a private canyon and is drive-in—no horses required. Accommodations include:

• •One-room bunkhouse cabins sleeping 4-8 clients each
• •Separate cabin with showers, sinks, and bathrooms
• •Lodge with buffet-style meals
• •High-speed wireless internet available at no extra charge
• •All packages include evening meal on arrival day and continental breakfast on departure day

No smoking is permitted in cabins, but designated smoking areas at building entrances keep hunters scent-free if desired. The outfitter stays in camp or in the field guiding—this isn't an operation where the outfitter disappears.

Archery Elk & Deer Combo - 6 nights lodging, all meals, 5 days hunting - Elk scoring up to and over 400 inches have come from this area - Mule deer and whitetail also available on same hunt - $6,500 per person (2 hunters per guide) / $9,500 (1 hunter per guide) - Deposit: $1,500

Archery Deer (Mule Deer or Whitetail) - 5 nights lodging, all meals, 4 days hunting - Whitetail over 140 inches and mule deer in the 160+ range are common - Hunting from blinds and spot-and-stalk methods - $3,300 per person (2 hunters per guide) / $4,300 (1 hunter per guide) - General deer license: $600 (deadline March 30) - Deposit: $1,000

Archery Antelope - 4 nights lodging, all meals, 3 days hunting - Water hole blinds with expected shots at 15-30 yards - Clients can also spot and stalk - $2,200 per person (2 hunters per guide) / $3,200 (1 hunter per guide) - Antelope license obtained through drawing: $205 (deadline June 1) - Deposit: $500

Rifle Deer (Mule Deer or Whitetail) - 5 nights lodging, all meals, 4 days hunting - 100% shooting opportunity in past years - Mule deer: mostly spot and stalk after glassing; taken at 20-28 inches width - Whitetail: hunted on food sources and travel routes; often 140+ inches - Mule Deer: $3,800 per person (2 hunters) / $4,800 (1 hunter) - Whitetail: $4,000 per person (2 hunters) / $4,800 (1 hunter) - Add antelope for extra day and night: $2,100 - General deer license: $600 (deadline April 1) - Deposit: $1,000

Rifle Antelope - 4 nights lodging, all meals, 3 days hunting - Open country with deep coulees and natural terrain hiding game - Hunters should practice 200-400 yard shots and shooting stick technique - Past clients have taken antelope 12-16 inches in horn length - $3,200 per person (2 hunters per guide) / $4,200 (1 hunter per guide) - Antelope license: $205 (deadline June 1) - Deposit: $500

Mountain Lion - Currently sold out through 2029

Merriam's Turkey (Spring) - April 15 - May 31, 2026-27 - License available over the counter - Grand Slam Special available

Winter Pheasant Packages - Open through December 2026-27

Prairie Dog Shoot/Varmint - Available for booking

Guests are called to breakfast well before daylight. After breakfast, hunters prepare lunches from items including fresh bread, turkey, ham, cheese, peanut butter, jelly, apples, oranges, chips, and granola bars. Guides spend the entire day in the field unless you request to return early.

Hunting methods depend on whether you're using a bow or rifle and what game you're pursuing. Methods also change with weather and season. All guides are state-licensed, trained extensively, and know the country from pre-season scouting. The outfitter emphasizes: "Do exactly what your guide tells you to do." No alcohol is consumed during hunting days. Responsible drinking is permitted after the hunt.

Musselshell Outfitters, LLC is a member and supporter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Mule Deer Foundation. The operation emphasizes that legitimate licensed outfitters were the first conservationists—their livelihood depends on sustainable wildlife populations.

• •Phone: 406-350-4868 (cell service can be sketchy in Montana)

• •Email: [email protected]

• •Mailing Address: Musselshell Outfitters, LLC, P.O. Box 676, Roundup, MT 59072