Reserve a Trip: All Swan Mountain Offerings

Swan 2 Hour Trail Ride

General Season Hunt

Our regular season guided elk hunts use the assistance of mother nature to bring the elk out of the mountains and in proximity to our lower camp. We utilize our horses to search the front range of the Bob Marshall for elk and mule deer. When the weather is right, migration of elk begins and affords our late season elk hunters an opportunity to bag an elk at lower altitudes. Regular season elk hunts are ideal for hunters that aren’t physically able to make a wilderness elk hunt. These are good first time elk hunts for youth elk hunters. The opening week of regular season also allows us to utilize spike camps in order to get in closer proximity to the elk and mule deer for opening day. This spike camp strategy has produced many harvested elk and mule deer in seasons past. An extra bonus is that our base camp is in the heart of whitetail deer territory for hunters looking to combination hunt.

Canyon Creek Quickie Guided Tour

The two hour Quickie tour is offered multiple times each day and is the perfect introduction to snowmobiling for first time riders or guests that want a little snow adventure, but may be short on time. Your guide will tailor the trip to your speed and comfort level on the machines, but you can be sure that beautiful scenery including snowy creeks, pristine alpine forests and deep powder bowls await you!  

Online inquiries for same day or next day reservations are not recommended as we may not see the inquiry in time. If you are interested in a trip within the next 48 hours, you may submit an inquiry, but please make sure to also call our office at (406) 387-4405 and leave a message. We will get back to you as soon as possible!

Mountain Lion Hunt

Lion Hunts are offered beginning in December and are run out of US Forest Service , Montana DNRC and private timber leased land in the Swan Valley as well as west of Kalispell. We utilize experienced hounds men and dogs to “tree” cats. This is a unique experience and we have great cats. It will be necessary to apply for a special permit in either Hunting District (HD) 120 and 130, or you can buy an over the counter license and hunt HD 132.  
All Dates can be customized . Call our reservations office at 406-387-4405 for more details

Big Game Houndsman Training

We have developed curriculum specific to the needs of outfitters when they hire new houndsmen/guides. The Houndsmen/Lion Guide Training program is a 6 day course and includes the following :Where to Go,Hunting Techniques,Tracking Skills,Dog Handling Skills , and Client Skills. Call us for more details. Class dates may change. We must have at least 2 students to hold this class .  

For more information visit our website at http://www.guideschoolmontana.com/our-curriculum/big-game-houndsmen/

Wilderness Guide School-Students Using VA Benefits

Our hunting guide school uses a unique modular approach to providing critical information for hunting guide students in seven distinct categories of learning. Our hunting guide program content is rich in each category with emphasis on not only covering the basics of hunting and guiding techniques as a foundation but also by thoroughly exploring the latest innovations in techniques and gear for hunting.  

Complete descriptions of all course modules including the areas that are unique to our hunting guide program can be found on our website at : http://www.guideschoolmontana.com/our-curriculum/hunting-guide-school/

Wrangler Training Program

The curriculum for this course is composed of a variety of topics that we have found to be critical for our business and other similar businesses. These include the following:  
•The Proper Tools – identification of key equipment, repair and maintenance, leather care and of course proper blanket/saddle and bridling techniques  
•The Horse – overview of horse anatomy, behavior and socialization  
•The Mule – explanation of how to interact with mules as well as key differences as opposed to horses  
•The Daily Routine – overview of equine nutrition, hydration and daily care  
•The Veterinarian – basic veterinary training on all aspects of equine issues and ailments that a wrangler should be able to both identify and treat  
•The String – overview of the most common and effective knots as well as how to string and pony animals safely  
•The Trail – hands on experience with proper trail clearing and trail maintenance aimed at keeping animals and people safe.  
•The Trail Ride – riding techniques specific to leading trail

Wilderness Guide School

Our hunting guide school uses a unique modular approach to providing critical information for hunting guide students in seven distinct categories of learning. Our hunting guide program content is rich in each category with emphasis on not only covering the basics of hunting and guiding techniques as a foundation but also by thoroughly exploring the latest innovations in techniques and gear for hunting.  

Complete descriptions of all course modules including the areas that are unique to our hunting guide program can be found on our website at : http://www.guideschoolmontana.com/our-curriculum/hunting-guide-school/

Horse Packing School

The packer training program is a 6 day course and includes the following:  
-Horse, Mules and Packing Techniques  
-Outdoorsmanship and Woodsmanship  
-Laws, Rules and Ethics & Responsibilities  
-Career Development  

More information can be found on our website at: http://www.guideschoolmontana.com/our-curriculum/horse-packing-school/

Spring Bear Hunt

Black bears are plentiful in western Montana and are legal game. The Swan Valley has the highest population concentration, and produces the best color phased bears in the state. We hunt black bears in the spring exclusively and in the fall in combination with our other hunts, or as a stand alone hunt.

Student Bear Hunt

The Student bear hunt is an add- on class offered to students of Swan Mountain Guide School . In this course students will have the opportunity to test their skills,and explore the area with a seasoned guide.