Swan Mountain Outfitters is a premier full service horseback based Montana Outfitter. Although we do offer an un-guided drop camp service, we really feel that guided is the way to go! Going guided offers an increased measure of safety and resources at your back, and allows you to tap into the guide’s knowledge of the horses, the landscape, and the flora and fauna you’ll encounter. Every trip is unique, as guides can tailor the experience to the best fit of the group.
Our guides are knowledgeable and experienced in their crafts, but also hold certifications in first aid, CPR, and may boast other training pertinent to the class of adventure you seek. We employ friendly and compassionate people who seek to make you feel safe and at home on your trip with us. They are committed to delivering the best possible experience for you.
Guided trips
Hunting
Ungulates
All of our ungulate hunts are fair chase. Our hunting areas support a number of ungulate populations and we are able to guide hunts for elk, mule deer, and whitetail deer. You can choose archery or rifle, or both. You can choose multiple species too. We can access areas in the Swan Valley as well as gain access to the Bob Marshall Wilderness. We can use a base camp to hunt out of as well as place spike camps closer to habitats. Most of our hunts combine horseback riding and hiking to stalk elk and deer, but whitetail hunters may opt for a tree stand too.
We can even guide moose and mountain goat hunts to those hunters fortunate enough to draw special permits in the Bob Marshall Wilderness or Swan Valley of Montana.
Bear and Lion
We have guided black bear hunts in the Swan Valley in both the fall and the spring. Uniquely colored bears in brown, cinnamon, blonde, and chocolate are found frequently in our area. We have a unique ability to use horses on our black bear hunts, if desired. All bear hunting in Montana is spot and stalk and the use of dogs or baiting is not allowed.
Mountain lion hunts do utilize dogs to scent and tree the lions. Our houndsmen guide in some of the best lion hunting districts in the state. We have under Flathead National Forest and Swan River State Forest more mountain lion hunting permits than any other northwest Montana outfitter.
Pack Trips
Having guided many guests into the wilderness on horseback, we know that most want: access to real wilderness, surefooted horses, a comfortable camp, good food, and an itinerary that is active and fun but not too demanding. We pride ourselves on providing an authentic backcountry experience that meets these demands. Pack trips are great for families, groups or friends that like to vacation together as beginners and advanced riders alike can enjoy the adventure.
We operate our Montana Pack Trips out of wilderness ‘base camps’ for 3-day, 5-day, or 6-day trips. We venture out in a different direction from camp each day exploring different parts of “The Bob” and we return to the same location each evening. After a full day of activities you’ll return to the comfort of your own wall tent and hearty meals prepared by the camp cook. There’s even a hot outback shower! Nestled at the edge of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, the Lion Creek upper camp for our back country pack trips provides an unparalleled setting for an authentic Montana horseback riding adventure.
Fishing
We’ve got all aspects of Montana fly fishing at its best! Don’t know how to fly fish? You can spin cast too, or learn how to fly fish from our skilled guides in one of our fly fishing clinics.
There are several approaches we can to fishing. You can float down the Swan River for a day or overnight fishing experience. You can go on foot to fish from shorelines and wade into the shallow water. You can even ride a horse for a day or overnight fishing adventure. The Swan Valley has ample fishing opportunities.
Want to level up your fishing with a multiday fly fishing adventure into the Bob Marshall Wildness? We’ll take the basic format of our horseback pack trip and put a fishing focus on it. We’ll use our savvy trail horses to access pristine alpine lakes with native trout species and have ample time out of the saddle to cast to our hearts content.
Trail riding
New to horses or short on time? For whatever reason you may not be ready for a wilderness pack trip, but can still enjoy a trail ride. Our quick two-hour trail ride may be just the ticket. We also have half day and full rides which feature a picnic lunch at a scenic rest stop. Swan Mountain Outfitters is the largest horseback outfitter in the northwest, so if we don’t have what you need at our beautiful and secluded Swan Valley location, we can direct you towards a multitude of 1 hour to 8 hour trail rides in Glacier National Park.
View Current Rates
Spring Bear Hunts (2024)
$4,200 ($2,100 son/daughter)
$4,200 ($2,100 son/daughter)
$4,200 ($2,100 son/daughter)
$4,200 ($2,100 son/daughter)
"CAST & BLAST" - Combination bear hunt and fishing trip.
Fall Bear Hunts (2024)
$4,200 ($2,100 son/daughter)
$4,200 ($2,100 son/daughter)
Archery Elk Hunts (2024)
$6,000 ($3,000 son/daughter)
$6,000 ($3,000 son/daughter)
Archery Whitetail Hunts (2024)
Various 5-day intervals custom reserved from Sep 3 - Oct 16
$4,600 ($2,300 son/daughter)
Elk Rut-Dual Weapon-Lion Creek Camp
$6,450 ( $3,225 son/daughter)
$6,450 ( $3,225 son/daughter)
$6,450 ($3,225 son / daughter)
General Season- Horseback Combination Hunts (Elk and Mule Deer or Whitetail Deer) (2024)
$6,350 ($3,175 son/daughter)
Opening Week Back Country Spike Camp - elk/deer combo
$6,350 ($3,175 son/daughter)
Back Country Spike camp - elk/deer combo
$4,600 ($2,300 son/daughter)
Base camp - whitetail/mule deer
$4,600 ($2,300 son/daughter)
Base camp - whitetail/mule deer
Mule Deer Only Hunts (2024)
$6,350 ($3,175 son/daughter)
Opening Week Back country Spike Camp
$6,350 ($3,175 son/daughter)
$4,600 ($2,300 son/daughter)
$4,600 ($2,300 son/daughter)
Whitetail Deer Only Hunts (2024)
$4,600 ($2,300 son/daughter)
$4,600 ($2,300 son/daughter)
Mountain Lion Hunts (2024)
License is available over the counter. Must have a flexible travel schedule if dates should change due to snow conditions.
License is available over the counter. Must have a flexible travel schedule if dates should change due to snow conditions.
License is available over the counter. Must have a flexible travel schedule if dates should change due to snow conditions.
Custom Hunts, Goat and Moose Hunting (2024)
Special Limited Drawing Permit required for Hunting Districts 130 & 150, call for details.
Drop Camp Hunting
Spike Camp. 4 hunter minimum.
Licenses Deer/Elk (2024)
HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE :
To purchase or apply for a MT hunting license, any hunter who is born after January 1, 1985 must verify that he/she has completed a course in hunter education from any state or province. There are online as well as in-person courses available in most states. Here is a link for more information about an online course-
https://www.hunter-ed.com/montana/ Not Included in any prices above. All prices subject to change.
Not Included in any prices above. All prices subject to change.
Not Included in any prices above. All prices subject to change.
Licenses All Other
Not Included in price of hunt. All prices subject to change.
Not Included in price of hunt. All prices subject to change.
Permit Application Deadline May 1
Not Included in price of hunt. All prices subject to change.
Preference Points
We highly recommend that clients purchase one preference point between July 1st and December 31st the year prior to the hunt. At the time of the license application there is an additional point available, plus the option of an 'outfitter point' - this is only if you choose to hunt with an outfitter.
Group Discount Rates: 10% for groups of 4+
Family Discounts: Son/daughter Discount (swan location only): 50% discount for under age of 25 hunting with parent. Hunting Spouse Discount (swan location only): 25% off.
One-on-one guide: $1500 extra
3% Administrative Fee: All multi-day trip rates will have an additional 3% administrative fee added per reservation. If you have any questions please feel free to call us at (406) 387-4405.
Cancellation & Refund Policy: For all hunts, $1,000 per hunter is required to secure the reservation. A secondary deposit of $2,000 is required no later than March 1st the year of the hunt. Both deposits are non-refundable and non-transferrable. The remaining balance is due June 1st. If you do not get drawn we will refund a deposit, but will not for any other reason. There are no refunds due to weather or not harvesting an animal. Since all of our hunts are free chase, there is a chance you may not see an animal during your hunt. If the thought of going home without of an animal is not palatable to you, do not book a hunt! Credit Cards accepted for initial deposit with no fee, all other subsequent payments can be made with a check or cash or a credit card. If you choose to pay with a credit card a 3% convenience fee will be added. Above prices do not include tags/licenses that are paid directly to the state of Montana, or a Hunter Defense Fund fee of $50 collected of all outfitted clients of Outfitter members of the Montana Outfitter & Guides Association for the purposes of defending nonresident hunting rights in the state of Montana. All hunts are offered under Montana License #34041, Patrick M. Tabor Jr. 26356 Soup Creek Road, Swan Lake, MT 59911 (406)-387-4405.
Drop Camp Services
$295/pack animal + $295/wrangler per day
Call for available dates.
Pack Trips (2024)
there are custom dates depending on size of group. Please call for details.
Group Discount Rates: 10% discount available for groups of 10+
3% Administrative Fee: All multi-day trip rates will have an additional 3% administrative fee added per reservation. If you have any questions please feel free to call us at (406) 387-4405.
Cancellation and Refund Policy: For all overnight trips, a 25% non-refundable and non-transferrable deposit for each participant is required to reserve a trip. For daily trips that are prepaid in advance, all amounts paid are non refundable within 48 hours of the activity. There are no refunds due to weather or fires or unforeseen changes in your travel schedule. We highly recommend the purchase of trip insurance!
Archery Elk Hunts (2025)
$6,200 ($3,100 son/daughter)
$6,200 ($3,100 son/daughter)
Elk Rut-Dual Weapon-Lion Creek Camp (2025)
$6700 ($3,350 Son/Daughter)
$6,700 ($3,350 Son/Daughter)
$6,700 ($3,350 Son/Daughter)
General Season Horseback Combination Hunts (Mule Deer or Whitetail Deer/Elk) (2025)
$6,600 ($3,300 son/daughter)
$4,600 ($2,300 son/daughter)
$4,600 (2,300 son/daughter)
$4,600 ($2,300 son/daughter)
$4,600 (2,300 son/daughter)
Mountain Lion Hunts (2025)
Pricing is based on a two hunter-to-one guide ratio and includes lodging, meals and guide services.
Pricing is based on a two hunter-to-one guide ratio and includes lodging, meals and guide services.
Drop Camp Hunting
Spike Camp. 4 hunter minimum.
Custom Hunts, Goat and Moose Hunting (2025)
Special Permits required for Moose HD 130 and Goat for HDs 132 and 134, call for details
Licenses Deer/Elk (2025)
Not Included in price of hunt. All prices subject to change.
Not Included in price of hunt. All prices subject to change.
Not Included in price of hunt. All prices subject to change.
Licenses All Other
Not Included in price of hunt. All prices subject to change.
Not Included in price of hunt. All prices subject to change.
Permit Application Deadline May 1
Not Included in price of hunt. All prices subject to change.
Preference Points
We highly recommend that clients purchase one preference point between July 1st and December 31st the year prior to the hunt. At the time of the license application there is an additional point available, plus the option of an 'outfitter point' - this is only if you choose to hunt with an outfitter.
Group Discount Rates: 10% for groups of 4+
Family Discounts: Son/daughter Discount (swan location only): 50% discount for under age of 25 hunting with parent. Hunting Spouse Discount (swan location only): 25% off.
One-on-one guide: $1500 extra
3% Administrative Fee: All multi-day trip rates will have an additional 3% administrative fee added per reservation. If you have any questions please feel free to call us at (406) 387-4405.
Cancellation & Refund Policy: For all hunts, $1,000 per hunter is required to secure the reservation. A secondary deposit of $2,000 is required no later than March 1st the year of the hunt. Both deposits are non-refundable. The remaining balance is due June 1st. If you do not get drawn we will refund a deposit, but will not for any other reason. There are no refunds due to weather or not harvesting an animal. Since all of our hunts are free chase, there is a chance you may not see an animal during your hunt. If the thought of going home without of an animal is not palatable to you, do not book a hunt! Credit Cards accepted for initial deposit with no fee, all other subsequent payments can be made with a check or cash or a credit card. If you choose to pay with a credit card a 3% convenience fee will be added. Above prices do not include tags/licenses that are paid directly to the state of Montana, or a Hunter Defense Fund fee of $50 collected of all outfitted clients of Outfitter members of the Montana Outfitter & Guides Association for the purposes of defending nonresident hunting rights in the state of Montana. All hunts are offered under Montana License #34041, Patrick M. Tabor Jr. 26356 Soup Creek Road, Swan Lake, MT 59911 (406)-387-4405.
Walk & Wade
Minimum of 2 people required
Minimum of 2 people required
Float Fishing Trips – Swan River
Each Boat fits 2 guests. Please call for available dates.
Fly Fishing Lessons
2 hour lesson, 2 person minimum required
Group Discount Rates: 10% discount available for groups of 6+
3% Administrative Fee: All multi-day trip rates will have an additional 3% administrative fee added per reservation. If you have any questions please feel free to call us at (406) 387-4405.
Additional Fees and Discounts: One-on-one guide: $150 per day extra. Repeat Customer Discount: 10% off. For all trips, a 25% deposit is required upon booking, and is non-refundable. The remaining trip cost is due upon arrival. Credit Cards accepted for deposits with no fee, final payments can be made with a check or cash or a credit card plus a 3% convenience fee.
Cancellation and Refund Policy: For all overnight trips, a 25% non-refundable deposit for each participant is required to reserve a trip. For daily trips we request full payment at the time of reserving, all amounts paid are non refundable within 48 hours of the activity. Above prices do not include tags/licenses that are paid directly to the state of Montana. There are no refunds due to weather or fires or unforeseen changes in your travel schedule. We highly recommend the purchase of trip insurance! All fishing services are offered under Montana License #34041, Patrick M. Tabor 26356 Soup Creek Road, Swan Lake, MT 59911 (406)-387-4405
License Cost & Application Deadline
Non-resident fishing licenses require a $10 Conservation license as a prerequisite. 1-day license is available for $14, 5 consecutive days for $56 or full season for $100. When fishing for bull trout each angler must have in possession a valid Bull Trout Catch Card for the specific water he/she is fishing. Catch Cards are free of charge, but must be acquired by application. You can purchase a license online at fwp.mt.gov/hunting/licenses/nonresidents.
Fish & Ride Overnight
Please call for available dates.
Fish & Ride Day Trip
$415/person (lunch included)
Fish & Ride Multi-Day Pack Trips (2024)
Group Discount Rates: 10% discount available for groups of 6+
3% Administrative Fee: All multi-day trip rates will have an additional 3% administrative fee added per reservation. If you have any questions please feel free to call us at (406) 387-4405.
Additional Fees and Discounts: One-on-one guide: $150 per day extra. Repeat Customer Discount: 10% off. For all trips, a 25% deposit is required upon booking, and is non-refundable. The remaining trip cost is due upon arrival. Credit Cards accepted for deposits with no fee, final payments can be made with a check or cash or a credit card plus a 3% convenience fee.
Cancellation and Refund Policy: For all overnight trips, a 25% non-refundable deposit for each participant is required to reserve a trip. For daily trips we request full payment at the time of reserving, all amounts paid are non refundable within 48 hours of the activity. Above prices do not include tags/licenses that are paid directly to the state of Montana. There are no refunds due to weather or fires or unforeseen changes in your travel schedule. We highly recommend the purchase of trip insurance! All fishing services are offered under Montana License #34041, Patrick M. Tabor 26356 Soup Creek Road, Swan Lake, MT 59911 (406)-387-4405
License Cost & Application Deadline
Non-resident fishing licenses require a $10 Conservation license as a prerequisite. 2-day license are available for $25, 10-day for $56 or full season for $86. When fishing for bull trout each angler must have in possession a valid Bull Trout Catch Card for the specific water he/she is fishing. Catch Cards are free of charge, but must be acquired by application. You can purchase a license online at fwp.mt.gov/hunting/licenses/nonresidents.
Fish & Ride Day Trip
$415/person (lunch included)
Group Discount Rates: 10% discount available for groups of 10+
3% Administrative Fee: All multi-day trip rates will have an additional 3% administrative fee added per reservation. If you have any questions please feel free to call us at (406) 387-4405.
Cancellation and Refund Policy: For all overnight trips, a 25% non-refundable deposit for each participant is required to reserve a trip. For daily trips that are prepaid in advance, all amounts paid are non refundable within 48 hours of the activity.
