We hear it all the time—folks trying to decide whether they should go the DIY route or book a guided hunt here in Montana. And we get it. Montana’s known for its vast public lands, and there’s definitely a sense of pride that comes with doing it on your own. But we’ve also guided enough hunters over the years to know that DIY doesn’t always go how you planned.
So if you’re weighing your options for that elk, deer, bear, or mountain lion hunt, here’s a straight-shooting breakdown of what a guided hunt gets you compared to going solo. Whether you’re flying in from out of state or looking to try something new this season, this will help you make the right call for your time, your money, and your experience.
What DIY Hunting in Montana Really Involves
If you’re going the do-it-yourself route, be prepared for a long list of responsibilities. First, you need to figure out the tag system, and let us tell you—it’s not simple. Montana has general licenses, limited entry units, bonus points, preference points, outfitter-sponsored applications, and different draw dates depending on the species. You’ll also have to choose the right hunting district and understand the regulations tied to it. If you don’t live in Montana, that process alone can feel like a full-time job.
Then comes the scouting. If you’re not local, you’re either relying on Google Earth or you’re showing up cold. You’ve got to know where the animals are moving, what elevation they’re using, and how pressure has shifted them week to week. One wrong pick and you can spend your whole hunt in an area that looked good online but is dead on the ground.
You’ll also need to handle logistics—where you’re staying, how you’re getting to trailheads, what gear you need, how you’ll pack out an elk if you’re lucky enough to tag one, and how to handle emergencies if something goes wrong. And don’t forget the weather. Montana can go from 60 degrees to a blizzard in a matter of hours during the fall.
Some folks love that challenge. But if you’re limited on time, or if this is your once-a-year trip, DIY might not be the most efficient way to spend it.
What You Get With a Guided Hunt
When you book with Crazy Creek Outfitters, you’re getting a team that lives here, scouts here, and has been running these mountains for decades. We’re not showing up with a map the same day as you—we’re out there before season even opens. We know where the animals are moving, where the pressure is heaviest, and where to glass or set up depending on the weather, wind, and time of year.
You also don’t have to worry about the tag system. We walk every client through the licensing process, help you figure out draw odds, and make sure you’re in the best position to get a tag for the hunt you want. And if you don’t draw, we roll your deposit into the next year or help you pick another option that fits the season.
During your hunt, we handle the transportation, the glassing, the calls, the strategy, and the game retrieval. You bring your weapon and your willingness to hunt hard—we’ll take care of the rest. We scout the same areas year after year, and we know what to expect at every point of the season.
And don’t underestimate the value of that. In a DIY hunt, it could take you three or four days just to find a shooter bull or a trackable lion. On a guided hunt, we’re often on animals the first day. That can mean the difference between going home with a punched tag—or just a cool story and a lot of blisters.
What About Cost?
It’s true, a guided hunt is an investment. But think about what a DIY trip really costs when you add up:
– Flights or fuel to get here
– Tag fees for non-residents
– Rental trucks or ATVs
– Lodging or gear upgrades
– Days off work
– Possibly going home empty-handed
A lot of our clients have done it both ways. Once they’ve tried a guided hunt, they usually say the same thing—it saved them time, money, and frustration, and gave them a better shot at the experience they were looking for.
At Crazy Creek, we keep our group sizes small and our hunts personal. You won’t be in a giant camp with twenty other guys. You’ll be with guides who are focused on you, your goals, and making the most of every day you’re out there. It’s not just about filling a tag. It’s about doing it right.
Which Option Fits You Best?
You should go DIY if:
– You’ve hunted Montana before and know the land
– You’re local or can scout multiple times before season
– You enjoy the challenge of figuring it all out on your own
– You have enough time to dedicate to scouting and recovery
You should consider a guided hunt if:
– You’re traveling in from out of state
– You want to maximize your time in the field, not just walking blindly
– You’d like help navigating the tag process and regulations
– You want access to proven areas with better odds of success
– You’re after a specific species like lion or elk and want a focused hunt
Why Clients Choose Crazy Creek Outfitters
There are a lot of outfitters in Montana, but not all of them are created equal. We live here. We scout here. We’ve guided through good years and bad years, droughts, snowstorms, and late ruts. We know the local herd dynamics, the land, and the laws.
More than that, we care about doing it right. We’re not punching numbers—we’re building hunts that give folks an experience they’ll talk about for the rest of their lives. Whether you’re after a September archery elk, a November mule deer, or a winter mountain lion, we’ll build the hunt around your goals.
We’ve helped first-timers tag out on their first western hunt. We’ve guided veterans who just needed someone who knew the terrain. And we’ve had plenty of DIY hunters come to us after a tough year saying, “Alright, this time I want to do it the smart way.”
Final Thoughts From the Field
There’s no shame in going either route. We respect the guys who get after it on their own. But we also know that guided hunting in Montana gives you a shot at something more focused, more prepared, and honestly—more successful.
So if you’re planning a hunt in the Montana mountains and you’re ready to up your chances and cut the learning curve, give us a call. Let’s talk dates, species, and options. You only get so many seasons. Make this one count.