Black bear hunting in Montana offers a true challenge for hunters who enjoy glassing, spot-and-stalk methods, and working through rugged country in pursuit of a mature boar. At Crazy Creek Outfitters, we guide both spring and fall black bear hunts across the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountain ranges—covering over a million acres of public ground. Every hunt we run is fair chase and professionally guided, with licensed staff and proven strategies built from years of experience in this terrain.
Understanding when to hunt is key to success. Black bear behavior shifts significantly between spring and fall, and knowing how those changes affect feeding, visibility, and movement patterns helps our hunters make the most of their time in the field.
Crazy Creek Outfitters offers guided bear hunts during three distinct Montana seasons. The spring general season runs from April 15 through June 15. Fall archery season takes place September 6 through 14, followed by the general fall season, which runs from September 15 through December 1. Each season presents unique challenges and opportunities depending on your hunting style and goals.
Spring bear hunting is food-driven. After spending the winter in their dens, black bears emerge looking to recover weight and rebuild strength. This early-season activity centers around feeding on new vegetation—especially on south-facing slopes, open meadows, and logging cuts where the first green-up appears. Our team focuses on these productive zones by accessing ridgelines and cuts with 4×4 vehicles, then glassing and moving on foot as needed. This approach allows us to cover more country efficiently while staying mobile throughout the day.
Spring is also the best time to observe color phase bears. In our area, black bears can appear in chocolate, cinnamon, and honey tones—not just black. These unique coats are part of what makes spring bear hunting in western Montana so rewarding. The open terrain, combined with increased daylight and strong feeding motivation, makes spring a good choice for first-time bear hunters or anyone looking to spot multiple animals during a hunt.
Fall bear hunting offers a different experience. As the weather cools, bears enter a phase called hyperphagia, where they eat constantly to prepare for hibernation. This period begins in early September and intensifies into late October and early November. Bears during this time often travel longer distances looking for calorie-dense food like berries, insects, and carrion. While they can be more nocturnal and harder to spot due to dense foliage, the bears encountered are often heavier and in excellent condition.
Many of our hunters choose to combine a fall bear hunt with other tags or simply enjoy the longer season window and the chance to hunt a mature bear in full coat. With proper planning and scouting, success is very possible during this period. We work hard to locate active areas and adjust glassing locations based on bear movement and weather.
All bear hunts with Crazy Creek Outfitters are fair chase, conducted on public land with spot-and-stalk methods. We do not use bait or hounds. Every bear we pursue is the result of boots-on-the-ground scouting, trail reading, and time behind optics. We focus on creating opportunities through knowledge of bear behavior and terrain—not shortcuts.
Our hunting area is known for a healthy black bear population, and there is no resident grizzly bear population within our permitted region. While Montana law still requires every black bear hunter to complete the bear identification course offered online through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, our clients can be confident they are hunting in a zone where black bears are the primary species.
We provide full guiding services, including help with locating bears, field judging, skinning, and game retrieval. We also assist hunters with licensing and tag applications, helping them secure the necessary documentation ahead of the hunt. Hunters are responsible for their own food, lodging, travel to Hamilton, Montana, and personal hunting gear. Most clients arrange accommodations in nearby towns like Darby or Hamilton, giving them easy access to daily pickups for hunts.
Once a bear is harvested, our team takes over with field dressing and hide care to ensure proper handling. If the shot is made in a remote or steep area, we work with the client to safely recover and transport the animal. Every effort is made to care for the meat and hide properly, following all legal and ethical standards.
Spring hunts are a great fit for those looking for high visibility and a focused bear hunting experience. Fall hunts work well for those wanting to combine hunting opportunities, pursue heavy-coated bears, or take advantage of longer season dates. No matter the time of year, black bear hunting in Montana is physically and mentally demanding—but also one of the most rewarding hunts a western outfitter can offer.
At Crazy Creek Outfitters, we guide these hunts with an emphasis on preparation, safety, and respect for the land and the animal. Every hunt is different, but the commitment to giving you a real Montana bear hunt stays the same.