Montana Hunting

In Montana, we call them “Ghosts of the Yellowstone” ...
big, stealthy Whitetail that glide silently through the heavy timber and undergrowth
of the historic Yellowstone River valley.
The rich habitat, land management techniques and awesome genetics of the region
continue to produce quality animals year after year.
To preserve this resource, we limit hunters on these properties.
Our rich whitetail property on the Yellowstone River is located
about ten miles north of the rural town of Custer in southeast Montana.
The Yellowstone River bottom is thick with willows, wild roses and towering Cottonwood trees.
We provide safe, comfortable, high-quality tree stands with shooting rails.

Included in our deer hunting rates is the bonus option of upland bird hunting if you bag your
deer early in your trip (you must provide your own guns, ammo and bird license).

Lodging and meals are provided as part of your package price.
For rates and lodging info, scroll down this page.

Montana's Archery Deer season typically begins first Saturday in September, and ends Sunday before general opener (44 days)
Rifle Deer season is generally described by FWP as "ending the Sunday after Thanksgiving, and beginning on a Sunday 36 days prior."
(In 2010, that would be Oct 24 - Nov. 28)
The deadline for non-resident Montana license application is March 15.
Non-resident deer tags are drawn by a lottery system. License information
can be obtained online at http://fwp.state.mt.us/default.html (then Click Buy Licenses Online).
Ask us about outfitter sponsored or landowner sponsored license options.

Game processing is at hunter's cost.
We use 4th Avenue Meats in Billings. They vacuum pack all your cuts. Award-winning sausages & specialty items.
Updated processing fee chart will be available at camp. Shipping and rush orders will be extra.
You will be charged the same processing fees if you leave or donate your animal to the food bank.

If you like the challenge of tracking and bagging mule deer, we have about 30,000 acres
to offer -- full of rangeland, crop land, pine ridges and sweet river bottoms. Our seasoned guides know
the terrain and feeding habits. These hunts are not for the faint of heart -- bring good walking boots and
your hunting smarts, because there’s a lot of country to cover and miles of memories to make.

Included in our deer hunting rates is the bonus option of pheasants, upland, waterfowl, predator, or prairie dog
at no extra charge (as circumstances & seasons allow) if you bag your
deer early in your trip. You must provide your own guns, ammo and licenses.

For rates and lodging info, scroll down this page.

Montana's Archery Deer season typically begins first Saturday in September, and ends Sunday before general opener (44 days)
Rifle Deer season is generally described by FWP as "ending the Sunday after Thanksgiving, and beginning on a Sunday 36 days prior."
(In 2010, that would be Oct 24 - Nov. 28)
The deadline for non-resident Montana license application is March 15.
Non-resident deer tags are drawn by a lottery system. License information
can be obtained online at http://fwp.state.mt.us/default.html (then Click Buy Licenses Online).
Ask us about outfitter sponsored or landowner sponsored license options.

Game cleaning/processing is at hunter's cost.
You are welcome to choose your own processor; we use 4th Avenue Meats in Billings.
They vacuum pack all your cuts and have award-winning sausages & specialty items.
Updated processing fee chart will be available at camp. Shipping and rush orders will be extra.
You will be charged the same processing fees if you leave or donate your animal to the food bank.

Antelope

Eastslope Outfitters was honored
to be selected as one of two Montana outfitters for the book
North America's Greatest Waterfowl Lodges & Outfitters
(Author Chuck Petrie)

The Yellowstone River in southeast Montana is the major resting
area in the central flyway for more than 100,000 migratory birds, with 70 miles
of protected water not far from the private lands leased for hunting by Eastslope Outfitters.

We can offer exclusive hunting for ducks and geese on numerous
private fields, where birds are less wary... an excellent opportunity to hunt
your limit of ducks and gesse with time leftover to photograph or video these magnificent migrations
to share with family and friends back home.

During the Fall migration, big northern Mallards flock into the Yelllowstone River, and Greenheads
work the corn like “Migs,” providing plenty of action to go along with the geese.
We use various methods and concealment tactics. My favorite is the Final Approach "Eliminator" blinds;
their portability lets us travel to where the geese are feeding. Each Fall we dig "stadium style seating" pit blinds.
These are big and roomy. With some smaller fields we will utilize cross ditches, fence lines and berms.

The weather can be unpredictable, anything from Indian Summer to winter squalls.
Generally, the colder the weather in Canada, the better and earlier the migration of birds
south through Montana flyways. Providing the Yellowstone River remains open, as is typically does,
honker hunting in our nearby fields can be excellent until the season closes in mid-January.

For rates and lodging info, scroll down this page.

Waterfowl season dates typically begins the Saturday closest to October 1, and ends early- to mid- January.
You’ll need a valid Montana Waterfowl license, as well as a Conservation License.
Both may be purchased locally or online in advance at http://fwp.state.mt.us/default.html (then click Buy Licenses Online).
You’ll also need a Federal Migratory Bird Stamp, available at any U.S. Post Office.

Extreme Goose Hunting
LATE SEASON: No Wimps Allowed
Ever hunted geese in January? It ain't for the faint of heart.
Although late season weather can be balmy, there's a good chance for extreme temperatures in eastern Montana.
And an even better chance for extreme hunting, as the skies fill with thousands of Canada geese.
More and more clients are choosing late-season dates, as they realize this is not exactly a lawn chair shoot.

In Montana, we believe there's no such thing as "bad weather," just the wrong clothes.
Bring your winter camo, insulated clothes and plenty of warmers (hand,feet, even body if necessary), and Extreme Hunting
in January is an experience you won't forget.

Picture it: a crisp Fall day in Southeast Montana,
with the air fresh, the colors glorious and the brush-filled draws exploding
beneath you as the dogs flush out pheasant, sharptail grouse and Hungarian partridge.
Bring good walking boots, as some days we’ll cover a lot of ground.
Most clients prefer their lighter 20-gauge shotguns for fast action.

Eastslope Outfitters or our guides will provide flushing and retrieving dogs.
Clients are welcome to bring their own trained hunting dogs.
Outdoor kennels are available at no charge with reservation.
In some cases, we allow clients to keep well-behaved dogs inside the house (prior approval required),
with the understanding a cleaning/damage fee may be charged should the need occur.

Early September dove wing-shooting is fast and furious, with Montana grain fields home to
thousands of doves each year. Bring plenty of ammo, as they are quick!

For rates and lodging info, scroll down this page.

Upland Bird season is typically September 1 - January 1.
Pheasant season typically begings the Saturday of Columbus Day weekend and ends Jan. 1.

You’ll need to have a valid Montana Upland Bird Stamp, as well as a Conservation License.
Both may be purchased locally or online in advance
at http://fwp.state.mt.us/default.html(then Click Buy Licenses Online).

Wild Turkey

Spring Turkey season (gobbler) traditionally begins second Saturday in April and ends third Sunday in May (37 days).
We have a nice population of Merriam's Turkeys on our hunting lands.
We allow 6 spring hunters each year.
For rates and lodging info, scroll down this page.

Licenses may be purchased locally or online in advance
at http://fwp.state.mt.us/default.html(then Click Buy Licenses Online).

Cast ‘n Blast

Want it all? Eastslope Outfitters can customize your trip
to include both fishing and hunting. Cast ‘n Blast trips in the Fall include
Bighorn River trout fishing with pheasant, upland bird, waterfowl or
turkey hunting in the Yellowstone and Bighorn River valleys.
Cash ‘n Blast trips in the Spring include fishing with Wild Turkey shoots.
Varmit shooting (prairie dogs) is also an option.
Lodging and meals included.
For rates and lodging info, scroll down this page.

Varmints ~ Prairie Dogs

You'll find thousands of dogs in towns on our private ranch leases.
Unguided hunts include an initial orientation session to meet the host, help you locate the towns,
and acquaint yourself with ranch etiquette. After that, you're on your own.
Responsible hunters only, please.
We ask you to show as much respect for these private lands as we do.
Expect to shoot hundreds of rounds per day; bring multiple guns.
On larger towns, expect 100 to 400 yard shooting. Recommended caliber starting at .17HMR,
ranging to larger caliber rifles for longer distance and windy days.
We also have towns suitable for shorter distance/small-caliber shooting (.22 LR or .17HMR).
For rates and lodging info, scroll down this page.

Lodging

ESO 2010 Hunting Rates

50% deposit at time of booking
Cancellation 60 days prior to start date: deposit will be refunded less 10% of total fee.
All cancellations within 60 days forfeits deposit.

Cast & Blast Hunt/Fish Combo Package

Rates include lodging, meals, guide, dog when needed. Do not include licenses, airport transport, gratuities, guns/ammo, game clean/process/ship. Rates are based on 2 hunters per guide; single hunters (1/1) subject to daily surcharge. FOR LESS THAN 6 HUNTERS IN GROUP 3 days fish/hunt & 4 nights lodging ........ $1,795 pp + tax 4 days fish/hunt & 5 nights lodging ........ $2,095 pp + tax FOR 6 OR MORE HUNTERS IN GROUP 3 days fish/hunt & 4 nights lodging ........ $1,695 pp + tax 4 days fish/hunt & 5 nights lodging ........ $1,995 pp + tax

Waterfowl/Upland Bird Package

Rates include lodging, meals, guide, dog when needed. Do not include licenses, airport transport, gratuities, guns/ammo, game clean/process/ship. Rates are based on 2 or 3 hunters to a guide; single hunters (1/1) subject to daily surcharge. 3 days hunting & 4 nights lodging .......... $1,695 pp 4 days hunting & 5 nights lodging .......... $1,995 pp Day Trips Available

Deer Hunting Package

RIFLE OR ARCHERY Rates include lodging, meals, guide, dog when needed. Do not include licenses, airport transport, gratuities, guns/ammo, game clean/process/ship. Rates are based on 2 or 3 hunters to a guide; single hunters (1/1) subject to daily surcharge. 5 days hunting & 6 nights lodging .......... $3,475 pp Guided hunting of pheasants, upland, waterfowl, predator, or prairie dog included at no extra charge as circumstances/season allow. Antelope/deer combo available for additional $300

Antelope/Upland Bird Packages

RIFLE OR ARCHERY Rates include lodging, meals, guide, dog when needed. Do not include licenses, airport transport, gratuities, guns/ammo, game clean/process/ship. Rates are based on 2 or 3 hunters to a guide; single hunters (1/1) subject to daily surcharge. 4 days hunting & 5 nights lodging .......... $1,995 pp Guided hunting of pheasants, upland, waterfowl, predator, or prairie dog included at no extra charge as circumstances/season allow.

What To Bring