J&J Guide Service

Brent RitchieNovember 2025

★★★★★

Had a great time with JJ Outfitters - Montana at the Ekalaka camp. Rick was my guide and his knowledge, patience and ability to spot game was incredible. He and I have much in common and I truly enjoyed his company and his sence of humor. I was able to bag a really nice mule deer thanks to Ricks guidance and coaching. The food and accommodations were excellent. Tanna was great at preparing meals for each day. The lodge was clean and comfortable and a welcomed sight at the end of the day. I would highly recommend JJ Outfitters - Montana to anyone looking for a spot and stalk hunt. Best of luck to the other hunters this season and all the guides.

Scott PetersenNovember 2025

★★★★★

We just got back from JJ Guide Service in Montana. We had a wonderful experience. We were able to harvest 2 beautiful bull elk. Our guide Andy did an amazing job and the entire staff worked to ensure we had a great time. The people here are truly honest, hardworking and dedicated. I can't say enough about coming to this place, it's very special.

Clayton LawlessNovember 2025

★★★★★

Had an absolutely wonderful experience with J&J. The communication and help throughout the process for 2 years leading up to the hunt was great. We were greeted with friendliness and smiles. It was like hunting back home with a bunch of buddies. We hunted multiple ranches, all different and beautiful in their own ways. The food and lodging was great, we never went hungry and were always asked if we needed anything. These guys get up every morning with a positive attitude and work hard for their clients. Probably my favorite outfit I’ve been to. Our mule deer/whitetail were the cherry on top.

Kelly KellerNovember 2025

★★★★★

We had the most amazing experience. My husband and I met Jason the first night and we were on the hunt for a mule deer. We scouted and found him the next morning. I was looking for a mule deer or white tail. We hunted for several days and I found a white tail in the field. So exciting. We have booked another trip for next year. The cook Charlie was awesome and the accommodations were 5 star.

Nicholas CrosbyJuly 2025

★☆☆☆☆

First of all I would like to say this review only applies to the Two Bears Camp and is a true account of what took place on this particular hunt. First morning we were told to meet at there lodge in Hamilton Mt at 9 am for the first gun season when we arrived we were greeted by one of there wranglers who said we weren’t suppose to be there until 11. He was friendly and took us into the cabin and offered us drinks and breakfast. Then another group of hunters showed up saying there were supposed to be there at 9 am as well. Then another wrangler showed up confirming the 9 am meet up time. Now it is 10 am and the wranglers are trying to figure out where the guides are. About an hour later we find out that the guides have been duck hunting in Bozeman Mt and are having truck problems and would be coming into camp late. So we are told that we are going to be taken to the trail head where we would meet the camp cook and she would guide us to the camp which I really didn’t feel comfortable with but went along with it anyway. At the trailhead we meet the cook a very nice lady who did guide us to the camp. At camp we settled in and awaited the arrival of the guides who never showed up until around midnight when were sleeping. Next morning we woke up to meet the guides had breakfast and headed out with no plans no scouting or any idea if any elk were around. Guide was a nice guy said I was his first year guiding in the area. He had guided the archery season prior to the gun season in which we were hunting. The rest of the hunt was the same as the first day never saw an elk. Camp was fine food was good the guide tried hard but in the end we never saw anything. I just can’t help but feel like if they would have been better prepared by scouting we could have had a better result. I contacted Rick after the hunt and asked if he would refund a day of my hunt because the guides were late and I felt like that was fair but he disagreed. By day 4 we came out of the mountains and we left. The other group was offered motel rooms and allowed to hunt from the truck for the remainder of their hunt. We were not offered this opportunity. Beautiful place to hunt but in the end you could probably do just as well hunting from the roads by yourself. Hopefully this will save someone out there some of there hard earned money and avoid this camp. Thanks for reading.

travis buckNovember 2024

★★★★★

I had an amazing experience hunting high country mule deer in the Bitterroot Valley with J&J guide service. I used up 23 bonus points on the 270-50 permit and finally drew. Everything top to bottom was great. The lodge, guides, cooks and food were all great. The guides worked incredibly hard to find a buck that I wanted. I went home very happy with the deer and hunt of a lifetime. A big thanks to Josh, my main guide that worked so hard and always had a great attitude. I definitely would do it all over again. Best wishes, T. Buck

Jeff and JeannetteSeptember 2024

★★★★★

Hey Rich and Rick, I want to thank you both for allowing me to bow hunt elk at your central Montana camp. It was an incredible experience, whereas I have never seen or heard as many elk as I did on all my other elk hunts (5). The two-camp set up with one in Martinsdale, and the other in Big Timber is really nice for hunting by providing a second option in a different area relieving some pressure in each area. Both areas were beautiful and had great vantage points to glass and see elk and deer alike. The lodge in the Martinsdale camp was so comfortable with a great atmosphere. The guides and cook were very professional, courteous and loved what they were doing. I really enjoyed the Big Timber area with its layout and being able to walk right out of the trailer and start hunting. I saw some amazing bulls and the memories of this trip will be in my mind forever. Although I did not harvest a bull, I was close with being at full draw on a larger bull but could not shoot, as he did not step into the clearing. I certainly had the opportunities at a few smaller bulls; however, I chose to let them grow to hopefully become more mature and trophies for future years hunts and hunters. Harvesting a bull would have been the icing, however, the hunt in the mountains and the amazing land you have to offer is what it is all about and is hard to describe, just like a picture rarely catch's being there. Listening to the bugling and seeing the herd bulls work his herds was incredible. Viewing the one large bull that was completely black from hooves to the tips of his horns (most likely from a wallow) herding his cows while fending off the satellite bull was like watching a hunting video on TV, one rarely seen. Best of luck for success to both of you and safe hunting for all the hunters and guides the rest of the fall. Thanks again for an incredible experience. I hope I can plan another hunt with you soon. All the best, Jeff

Gary GusselMay 2024

★★★★★

Just had a great spring bear hunt with my guy John at J&Js Hamilton, Montana Two Bears Camp. Great people top to bottom looking forward to visiting the other J&J camps camp soon as well!

Jeff SpottsApril 2024

★★★★★

I had the pleasure and an appreciated opportunity to hunt with J & J Guide service in Ekalaka Montana hunting Marriam turkeys. Rich and Rick have a first-class operation, from their guiding abilities and amazing properties to hunt on, along with a great camp atmosphere, their great guides, comfortable sleeping quarters, and a cook (Kelly) that creates incredible meals that include a variety of the main course, sides, salads, and desserts that all could be mistaken for a NY high end restaurant. Breakfast to go, packed lunches for the field, snacks and drinks as needed were all part of the experience and the cook catered to a food allergy I had, making a separate dish from what others had to meet my requirements and provided the regular dishes for the rest of the hunters. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable about the properties, where game could be located, and took the time to approach each area with a mindset of a successful and enjoyable experience for me as a client (I felt like I was one of the gang the way I was treated along with other hunters in the camp). I harvested a nice Tom the second morning and could not be happier with the experience and the bird I harvested (he’s at the taxidermist for a full body mount), being a true bred Merriam, only found in this part of the country. I can not wait for the archery elk hunt this fall in their central Montana camp. The pictures they provided and is on their site of what has been harvested in the past few years and a few bulls that made it through the entire hunting season last year should provide an opportunity for a nice bull (Toad). Thanks, guys, for a great hunt, I’m looking forward to September and scream ‘in bulls.

Daniel DillsFebruary 2024

★☆☆☆☆

Cannot speak for other lodges they have but STAY AWAY FROM TWO BEARS. Upon arrival which was suppose to be between 2-4pm according to emails we arrived at 2 to find that the gate was closed and there was a sign that stated check in was at 4pm. The owner had assured my father that our goal of a 6 by 6 was very doable. When we arrived and talked to the guides they said “you better be ready to eat a tag if you want a 6 by 6” and pointed to barely legal bulls on the wall and said that it what you should expect and that “we would be lucky to kill a legal bull on public ground” After shooting our guns the guide did no scouting for the next day. Opening morning we glassed a spot and saw over 200 elk which were all on PRIVATE property where we could not hunt. From our glassing spot we could see orange ALL over the public land. Tuesday through Thursday afternoon we did not see an elk. The guide had us walk 10 miles to check spots where they bedded a year ago. He literally admitted he had done no scouting for this weeks hunting. He had us walking into these spots saying that we should be ready because they will jump up and we would have to hurry to shoot them at around 30-50 yards. Thursday at last light we finally saw Public land elk. The guide informed us that it would take 10 hours to get in and out. Due to us leaving Saturday early it wasn't an option. Why he would waste our time and not show us this spot at the beginning of the week? Friday night us and other hunters decided to have breakfast at 6 am before our departure. Before dinner was finished Friday night the back country cook and one of the cooks from the lodge showed up. We all talked for while and we announced we were going to bed and told everyone goodnight. They all guides, cooks, and other guest stayed up getting drunk and screaming and laughing as loud as they could keeping us up. This is expected and a hunting lodge, BUT IT SHOULDVE BEEN DONE IN BASEBMENT WHERE THE BAR WAS, But all the guides and cooks were living in basement. We finally got tired of it and at 1 am we decided to leave and drove till we found a hotel so we could get some sleep. As I told them we were leaving due to them being so loud the guides and staff of the lodge just sit there never apologized didn’t act like they cared and we left. I do not recommend this outfit whatsoever and feel sorry for the ones that have already booked their hunt. In response to the owner- 1. The person we texted was not a guide or worker it was one of the owners which should've communicated to the guides that we were going to be there at 2pm when check-in time was suppose to be. We was greeted at the gate after we had to leave and go to a restaurant for an hour and a half to waste time. 2. We did voice our concerns about it being to hot upstairs multiple times and even left the front door open to cool it off. And how are you suppose to sleep wherever you like when the guides and their family live downstairs? 3. We understand that you cant make the bull go where you want them but we didn't see a good quality bull the entire time we were there. And 99% of the elk we did see were all on private property. 4. Financial reasons? We just paid you $10,900 and prolly spent another $5000 for gear and preparing and hotel stay that we voluntarily spent so we could sleep due to your drunken staff. Guide was going to get a tip but not the full 20% due to YOUR lies and what was listed above. But after keeping us up Friday night he wasn't getting a penny even if we stayed till morning. 5. We understand that physical condition played some part in our hunt. But our guide said we got everywhere he wanted to go. And you wouldn't have us back???? Because I'm calling you out with facts! There was no trouble at the lodge or with any other hunters we all talked and had a good time till we decided to leave early Saturday Morning at 1AM. Due to your staff. 6. FUN FACT: Our guide had never even killed an elk.

Ronald ChristensenJanuary 2024

★★★★★

We have been on 9 hunts with J&J. Over the years we have harvested two great bull elk, a number of big mule deer, a couple of antelope and even some big mallards. Rich, Sue, Rick and all of the guides go out of their way to provide great shooting opportunities as well as clean and comfortable accommodations and great food. Over the years they have become great friends. The concern they have for the resource helps assure that there will be hunting opportunities long into the future. I feel blessed to have found them and hope to be able to enjoy a few more visits.

Lynn WallaceJanuary 2024

★★★★★

It's about making memories, and J &J Guide Service delivered! What a hunt it was for Merriam turkeys. Rich was an excellent guide, and Sue a gracious host as the accommodations and meals rival a 5 star retreat. The turkeys were plentiful and the gobbling put me into sensory overload. My father-in-law and I bagged our birds by 8 a.m. I can't say enough good things about the folks at J & J Guide Service. A trip full fantastic memories. Look forward to more in the future.

Jon SilksJanuary 2024

★★★★★

I base my review on the controllable elements - effort, honesty, accommodations and staff rather than personal success, which can hinge on many factors that an outfit cannot control (weather, hunter preparedness, moon phase, animal movement, long term draughts, disease, etc.). In every respect, J&J Guide Service proved to be exemplary. Their effort could not have been greater, they were up front about expectations (which I found to be spot on), accommodations, while not a 5-star lodge, were exactly as advertised - comfortable, more than adequate, and the food was always very good (thanks to Sue and others who took care of us). Lastly, their staff is about as friendly and helpful as anyone could expect (rivals good ol’ southern hospitality in the north!). Thanks to Rich and the entire J&J Team - you are all awesome!

Travelin HunterJanuary 2024

★★★★★

Just Wow….I have spent time in camps across the country and many cannot compare to the amazing family atmosphere that Sue and Rich provide their clients! If Montana is on Your List of places to hunt…you found the right place right here!! Tony Smotherman

Scott RichardsonJanuary 2024

★★★★★

My friend and I love hunting turkey in Wisconsin, but after 30+ years of chasing these birds we were ready to change it up. A friend of a friend gave us a referral for J & J Guide Service in Montana to try our luck for Merriam turkeys. We packed up our gear, a Dad, and a bro-in-law, and the 4 of us took off to meet Rich and Sue Schneider in Ekalaka. OMG! What an experience! So much more than we ever expected. The hospitality and accommodations were over the top. The hunting could only be described as a dream come true. Birds everywhere and not call shy like we experience back home. All 4 of us bagged birds by 8:30 the first day out. Of course we ran into town to buy an additional tag and before our trip ended we had 2 more in the freezer. A trip of a lifetime for this guy. Cannot recommend or say enough positive things about J &J Guide Service. If Merriam’s are on your bucket list then get to J & J before we go again. Thank you Rich and Sue, and the whole team at J & J! Scotty, Mark, Craig, and Schnitzy

Wayne LaForgeJanuary 2024

★★★★★

I have hunted twice with J&J. Both were archery spot and stalk for Mule deer. My guide, LeRoy, was fantastic, he put me on bucks on both trips. Their hospitality is second to none. Rich and Sue were the perfect hosts! I am hoping to get back there. Thank you Rich, Sue and LeRoy!

Sue LaForgeJanuary 2024

★★★★★

A few years ago, I tagged along with my husband as an Anniversary gift to ourselves. (I didn't go out hunting). It was wonderful and relaxing for me. The company and food were outstanding, and truly a beautiful experience. Thank you, Rich and Sue!

pa-outdoorsmanJanuary 2024

★★★★★

The entire operation at J&J is top notch, from excellent hunting areas with trophy game to comfortable accommodations and great food to knowledgeable staff who know how to care for you at the lodge and in the field. I have enjoyed numerous quality J&J hunts over the years, taking elk, mule deer, whitetail and antelope. While the hunting is great, I have found that I have equally enjoyed developing lifelong friendships with great folks such as Rich and Sue, Leroy and Andy. In fact, I no longer consider myself a J&J client but part of the family!

Chase A. HentgesNovember 2023

★★★★★

To all looking for an amazing and challenging hunting experience, This is the place to go! The most beautiful area you will ever see, my buddy Kyle and I went to Hamilton and were greated with nothing but kindness from the best guides (Josh, Kyle and Kevin) a guy could ask for, they all were very knowledgeable in the area, elk signs and answered all of our many questions. If I could go back tomorrow I would, we didn't get an elk but had the best time with our guides Josh and Kevin and had a few opportunities but Mother Nature did not cooperate. Its rigorous hunting and we knew exactly what we were getting ourselves into when we signed up and it checked all of our boxes ten fold, thanks again for the best hunting trip of our lives! We will be back!

Kyle KraskaNovember 2023

★★★★★

Hunters, A buddy and I recently got back from our elk hunt with Two Bears (J&J outfitter) in Hamilton, Montana. What a rewarding hunt for not being successful! We were looking for a hunt that was going to be challenging, and not just killing an elk. And we sure got that! Mother Nature through a few curveballs in there. On day three of our hunt we got a foot and a half of snow in the mountains and couldn’t see more than 500 yards The guide did everything possible to try to get us on elk, but it was just so hard to see them. We did get opportunities and for the conditions that we hunted in that was dang good. We put a 5 hour sneak on two bulls on a bench only to get busted by a grouse 100 yards from them. The guides listen to our input and we’re very accommodating. Lodging and the food was great. This is a very physically demanding hunt we put on a little over 34 miles in the mountains and it was everything I expected. I would definitely recommend this outfitter for a real public land hunting experience. Kyle K.

Steven RiceNovember 2023

★★★★★

Successful mule deer hunt with great people. Fantastic food and service.

Roger FritzOctober 2023

★★★★★

My son and I just completed an archery Mule Deer/Antelope hunt and were successful in harvesting a Mule Deer and an Antelope in the subsequent rifle season. The guides were fantastic (Sam & Andy) and worked hard to get our trophies. They were very accommodating and did an excellent job in boning out the meat. These guys exceeded our expectations. Food was plentiful and good. Accommodations were goid.

Jack GriswoldDecember 2022

★☆☆☆☆

Horrible experience, got ahold of Rich back in April when I found out I got the 799-20 tag to book a hunt, had one booked for November 18-22 and about 10 days from my hunt (halfway through my season) I emailed him and asked him about my hunt, he sent me and email saying they were down a guide and that they wouldn't be able to donthe hunt, and that they would let me know if anything changed..... only to find out that that one of their guides shot the caliber of bull that I was inquiring about..... do not recommend at all as they let all their clients shoot the small stuff and they hold out all the trophy animals for themselves or the big TV shows... what a disgrace. I did have dates booked with them ( I have emails to prove it) I did said I would huntnit during bow season but I wanted to hunt it with a rifle. Also I asked him if he wanted a deposit back in April when I talked to them and he said no that it would be required when I got their for the hunt....notice that all the trophy animals are harvested by their guides and the TV shows.... do not recommend

Nick BorisMay 2022

★★★★★

Great experience from beginning to end. The communication with Rich prior to the hunt was great. After arriving at camp in Ekalaka, we immediately went out that afternoon and roosted two groups of birds in the evening. We saw plenty of birds, especially Toms. First and only morning hunting was a thrill. We exited Rich's Tahoe at 5 a.m. and immediately heard gobbles with birds flying off the roost about 30 yards out before they moved a short distance away from us. A short belly crawl and great calling by Rich while using a decoy brought us a bird to within 35 yards. We were done by 5:28 a.m. Definitely looking to return for other hunts.

Don DickinsonNovember 2021

★★★★★

My elk hunt in Sept of '21 with J&J was great. My guide Andy, worked hard to put us into encounters which we had on a daily basis. Taking a trophy class bull was a blessing on top of an already top notch experience. Rich and Sue are gracious hosts, guides are great, meals are first class, and chatter at meal time was most enjoyable. I'll be coming back. 5 stars!

Billy IliakostasSeptember 2021

★★★★★

Right from the moment I first contacted Rich they were really professional honest and helpful he really made my hunt in Montana a really nice lifetime experience can’t wait to go back

Gregory LawserApril 2021

★★★★★

Amazing people and amazing hunting. Rich and Jason did a great job of putting us on the birds and taking good care of us in camp. Top notch outfit. Highly recommend!

Steve TannerNovember 2020

★★★☆☆

It was a big let down Rich told me 1 on 1 and it wasn't and they didn't have much land we hunted 1 ranch the whole time I tried giving them another chance but they seemed to be booked,if I was outdoor celebrity they would have an opening he doesn't even have the guts to tell me why he lied about one on one just like the sawn Hunter he told that the swans were there but the we're not there, I see a pattern, living the dream more like living nightmare even the guide said it wasn't wright what kind of outfitter sends a guy on to public land to try and Chase the elk onto there land

Larry TellmanSeptember 2020

★★★★★

J&J Guide Service out of Ekalaka MT run by Rich and Sue is AWESOME. Every aspect of your operation is first class; from the warm welcome, to the extremely knowledgeable guide (Leroy was wonderful to hunt with), and the accommodations. And of course there’s Sue. She is absolutely the best. Always looking after us and making sure we’re well taken care of. The game is everywhere and the guides know their business and can set up any hunter in position to harvest a trophy.

Chuck MahlenOctober 2019

★★★★★

Fantastic adventure, Rich ,Sue and Leroy are great!