Which black bear hunting outfitter in Montana is considered the best?
By Quick answerLinehan Outfitting Company, in Troy, ranks first among Montana's 44 black bear outfitters on review-weighted credibility — a 5.0 average built on 95 reviews, not a thin perfect score — out of 55 guided black bear packages statewide carrying 1,113 reviews between them.
Top 6 of 44 black bear outfitters in Montana
- Lodging
- Guide
- Transportation
- Guide
- Lodging
- Meals
- Meat processing
- Lodging
- Guide
- Meals
- Meat processing
- Guide
- Lodging
- Meals
How we rank: Outfitters are ranked by a credibility-weighted rating that blends each outfitter's verified Google star rating with how many reviews back it up — so a strong average from many hunters outranks the same average from only a few — then by the breadth of black bear packages they offer (live inventory, last updated September 2026). Prices, ratings and review counts come straight from each outfitter's current listings — always confirm details before you book.
Why Linehan ranks first
That's a deeper record beating a thinner perfect score, not a coin flip among tied five-stars. The roster spreads across the state, Troy to Gardiner, and every outfitter on it books black bear as an actual product, not a line on a combo tag.
Are you pricing the right hunt?
Watch what you're pricing against: the range below covers stand-alone black bear hunts only. A "Big Game Combo" or "Drop Camp" listing that happens to include a bear tag is priced against elk or mule deer, not against this table — a different hunt, not a cheaper black bear one.
Spring hunt or fall hunt?
Most guided black bear hunts here run spring, April through June; a smaller group of outfitters run fall instead, September through November. Ask which season an outfitter is quoting before you compare its price to anyone else's.
What to check before you book
Work the roster, then check guide ratio as closely as the day rate. Several outfitters price a 2x1 hunt below their own 1x1 rate for the same days afield — the cheaper number and the better number aren't always the same line.
What hunters say about black bear outfitters in Montana
38 black bear outfitters in Montana carry 1,113 Google reviews averaging 4.77 — including 69 at three stars or below.
Sourced from Google · most recent review .
| 5 stars | 1,013 | |
|---|---|---|
| 4 stars | 31 | |
| 3 stars | 21 | |
| 2 stars | 14 | |
| 1 star | 34 |
Just got back from a back country bear hunt with these folks. Duke and Aaron did everything possible but the bear just wouldn't cooperate…
This was an excellent outfit for bear hunting. The lodge is nice and the food is good and plentiful. The Guides are very professional and extremely determined to get you on a bear…
5 out of 5. Virginia Theer · Cody Carr's Hunting Adventures ·
Nate is an amazing guide!! We made some great memories on our bear hunt! Thanks for everything...
5 out of 5. Nash Potatoes Outdoor Show · Linehan Outfitting Company ·
I recently hunted sping bear with Rising Son and their 5 star reviews are certainly accurate. This family owned and operated outfitter made my stay with them comfortable and my hunt was epic and something I'll never forget…
5 out of 5. Tom F · Rising Son Outfitters ·
What a guided black bear hunt costs in Montana
A guided black bear hunt in Montana typically costs $4,000, with half of packages between $3,237.5 and $4,462.5.
From 36 priced packages of 55 across 29 outfitters, checked September 2026.
4 packages run higher, up to $7,500 — typically multi-day trips with lodging.
Full price breakdown
Guided black bear package prices in Montana, September 2026 — 36 priced packages
| Point | Price |
|---|---|
| Lowest | $2,000 |
| 25th percentile | $3,237.5 |
| Median | $4,000 |
| 75th percentile | $4,462.5 |
| Highest | $7,500 |
What's included in a guided black bear hunt in Montana
Across 50 guided black bear packages in Montana that list what they include, these come up most often:
- Lodging90%
- Guide86%
- Meals84%
- Transportation34%
- Meat processing32%
- Game recovery & pack-out14%
- License & tags10%
- Taxidermy6%
- Dogs4%
- Beverages4%
- Game cooler / storage2%
Inclusions vary by outfitter and package — always confirm what's covered before you book.