Redbone Outfitting

Bud Martin is a fourth-generation native Montanan and licensed outfitter (Montana License #5104) who's been hunting the Missouri Breaks since the late 1970s. He doesn't just book hunts—he's in camp working with clients and guides every single day. Over 30 years in the business.

Redbone operates in some of Montana's best remaining mule deer and antelope country. The permitted hunting area includes:

• •Missouri Breaks National Monument
• •Cow Creek and Antelope Creek wilderness study areas
• •Little Rockies around Zortman
• •Hunting District 620 (antelope)

The landscape varies from rugged mountains to wide-open plains. One critical fact: this area hasn't been hit as hard by wolves as many western ranges, meaning the deer herds are strong.

Mule Deer - The main draw. You can expect to see 20-30 mule deer per day under normal conditions. Redbone harvests mule deer bucks in the 160-170 class and whitetail bucks in the 150-160 range regularly. The rut peaks around November 10. Hunts are 2 or 3 on 1 guide ratio (1 on 1 available for extra fee). Success rate has been 100% harvested deer in recent years.

Antelope (Archery & Rifle) - Archery hunts run August 15 through September with spot-and-stalk, blind, decoy, and waterhole methods. Rifle hunts typically add onto early mule deer season in October. You'll see 50-500 antelope per day. Rifle antelope has a 100% success rate. Bucks typically run 14-16 inches.

Archery Hunts - Antelope archery is the specialty here. 60-yard shots are common. Spot-and-stalk is their preferred method. Decoy hunting during the rut delivers "fast and furious" action.

Elk, Lion, Bear, Coyote, Bighorn Sheep - All available. Elk can be added to deer hunts. Lion hunts use hound packs.

Prairie Dog Hunts - Shooting-focused hunts with benches and truck support provided.

Location: 48337 US HWY 191 South, Zortman, MT 59546. That's 50 miles south of Malta and 155 miles north of Billings.

Accommodations: Comfortable kitchen cabin with heated bunkhouse cabins. Home-cooked meals included. Arrive Sunday at 4 p.m. (not earlier). Checkout after your last hunt day.

What's Provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, lodging. Shooting benches and truck for prairie dog hunts. 100-yard and 400-yard target ranges at camp.

What You Bring: Rifle or bow/arrows with ammo, hunting license, binoculars, orange vest, sleeping bag, personal gear, final payment in CASH (no cards or checks accepted at camp).

• •Payment Schedule:
• •$500 deposit for prairie dog, $1,500 for deer/bear, 50% for other hunts
• •Second payment (half remaining balance) due July 1 (fall hunts) or 30 days prior to spring bear hunts
• •Final payment due in CASH on arrival—no exceptions, no cards
• •Last-minute bookings (within 30 days) require full payment upfront

License Support: Montana applies for your license and handles the application process (you're on the phone with them). Mule deer tags cost approximately $750 plus preference point fees. Antelope draw odds are near 100%.

These hunts are physically demanding, especially mule deer. Good physical condition is required for mature buck success. The old days of road-side trophy bucks are gone. You need to be able to hike and glass country, sometimes all day.

Guide Ratio: All mule deer hunts are 2-3 on 1 unless special arrangements made. Archery and rifle hunts are fully guided.

Bud Martin: 406-370-5419 (calls only—no texts)

Best to call during business hours (5 days/week, evenings). Email: [email protected]

Reservation forms required for all hunts. Downloads available from their website.

"It is without a doubt one of the finest mule deer areas in the west." - Bud Martin