Season

Our bird hunts run from mid-September through mid-October.

Species

We have three species of mountain grouse: ruffed, blue, and spruce.

Region/Terrain

This far northwest corner of Montana is unlike the rest of the state in that it is not typical big sky country. It’s big country alright, but without rolling vistas and snow-capped mountain ranges in the distance. This region is logging country, mountainous, a place of dense, coniferous forests where it smells like Christmas every day. Think Maine…on steroids. We are located at the end of the road and this area of the state is also far less traveled than the more famous regions of the state. Lincoln County, Montana lies entirely within the Kootenai National Forest. There are approximately 1.2 million acres of National Forest and only 20,000 people here. We rarely see other hunters and that alone makes this one of the most unique and authentic wingshooting adventures in the country.

Average driving time to covers ranges from a few minutes to an hour on the longer end. Ruffed and spruce grouse covers are essentially 30-50 year old logged areas that offer traditional habitat including berries, alder, underbrush, and spring seeps. Blue grouse habitat is higher in elevation, requires some hiking, and includes more open, park-like areas with stands of predominantly Douglas fir trees.

This area of the state is not chic. There are no Starbucks nearby. This is a place to celebrate nature and birds and the hunting experience in a truly unique setting.

Typical Weather

We don’t really see snow and heavy precipitation until Thanksgiving. During the front end of our season, you can expect morning temperatures in the 40s F and daytime temperatures as high as 70º F. As the season moves into October, morning temperatures can be in the 30s F and daytime temperatures in the 50s F. We can see some rain during the fall but for the most part, the weather is mostly fair and stable.

3 day/4 night packages start at $3900 per person for 1x1 and $2500 per person for 2x1.

You can find all pricing information at fishmontana.com.

Other

• If necessary, we can provide ammunition.
• The Yaak River Mercantile and Tavern and the Dirty Shame Saloon offer grocery staples and perfectly good tavern fare. Both are located just five miles down the road our guest cabins.
• We have two lodging locations. All hunts are based out of our Yaak location.
• Libby, Montana is biggest, closest town.
• There is no cell service here in Yaak but we do have wifi and landlines.
• We have dogs but you are certainly welcome to bring your own if you choose.
• Daily bag limit is 3 birds (aggregate).
• Closest airports are Spokane, Washington and Kalispell, Montana.
• Rental car is necessary and we do not provide airport shuttle.
• We prefer not to supply firearms.
• 28, 20, 16, and 12 gauges are perfectly fine.
• 2 ¾ shells in size 6 are appropriate for blue grouse.
• 2 ¾ shells in size 7½ are appropriate for ruffed and spruce grouse.
• We prefer double/break-action shotguns and try to avoid autoloaders.
• Terrain is moderate for ruffed and spruce grouse while mountainous for blue grouse.
• On a scale of 1-10 the physical demands of this hunt are a 6.
• Licenses can be purchased online at the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website or over the counter when you arrive.
• 3 consecutive day non-resident license is $50.00, season license is $110.00

Additional Activities

We offer guided fly fishing trips and are happy to customize a fly fishing and wingshooting adventure for you.