Montana Hunting Season • Self-Guided Pack Llama Rentals
Self-guided pack llama rentals that get you deeper into Montana's most productive hunting country — and carry every pound of meat and gear back out. You lead, the llamas carry. No horses needed. No wasted trips.
The Advantage
Horses get the glory, but llamas get the job done — quieter, easier to handle, and allowed in wilderness areas where horses are restricted.
Llamas are naturally quiet animals. Unlike horses, they won't whinny or spook at scent, making them ideal partners in elk country where noise means nothing goes home.
Llamas are allowed in wilderness areas where horses are restricted. Their padded feet cause minimal trail damage, opening up remote drainages and high country that other hunters skip.
Plan on about 3 llamas for elk (4 for a large bull) and about 2 for deer. Each carries about 60–75 lbs. Never overload — a second trip beats leaving meat on the mountain.
Let llamas haul your camp gear in so you can focus on hunting. A quality cot, real food, and dry clothes waiting at camp make a week in the backcountry feel like a different world.
Llamas haul in a standard stock trailer behind a half-ton truck — no special rigs or horse trailers required. You tow the trailer to the trailhead yourself, and it’s part of your rental at no extra charge.
At $75 per llama per day with no wrangler required, llamas deliver serious packing power at a fraction of the cost of hiring horses and a packer.
Plan Your Pack-Out
Practical recommendations based on industry norms — framed for self-guided Helena Backcountry Llamas rentals: you lead, the llamas carry. Our llamas carry about 60–75 lbs each. Book what you need; never overload.
Quiet approach into country where horses draw attention. Haul camp in so you can hunt hard instead of living light. When you connect, pack meat out the same day when you can — quarters, trim, and cape on balanced panniers. First-timers complete a handling clinic at the ranch before the trip so loading, leading, and stakeout are second nature when the work starts.
Deer packs are lighter overall. Two llamas give you margin for gear, steep trails, and a cleaner, safer walk out.
HBL capacity ~60–75 lbs per llama
Never overload. If the animal or the miles run heavy, plan a second trip — or carry some meat yourself. Spoiled meat helps no one; a fresh second shuttle does.
HBL capacity ~60–75 lbs per llama
Bone is heavy. Deboning quarters (where legal) keeps each pannier closer to our ~60–75 lb sweet spot and often means fewer llamas or fewer trips. Watch Randy Newberg’s field deboning walkthrough in the videos below.
See It In Action
Third-party educational footage on hunting with pack llamas — and how to bone meat in the field so loads stay in the ~60–75 lb range our llamas carry well. Not produced by Helena Backcountry Llamas.
These videos are third-party educational content and are not HBL-produced. They reflect other llama packers’ and hunters’ experiences; our herd of 6 llamas (including Boulder, Wookie, Murphy and Everett) and booking details are specific to Helena Backcountry Llamas.
Where Renters Hunt
Renters take our llamas into six of Montana's premier wilderness and backcountry hunting areas — all within reach of our ranch in Clancy, MT. You plan and lead your own hunt; we're happy to suggest llama-friendly routes.
Every Rental Includes
Every llama comes with everything you need. No extra trips to the gear shop.
Hunt Season Rates
Flat rate $75 per llama per day with a 2 llama minimum (from $150/day). Stock trailer included; you tow it to the trailhead yourself.
A llama handling clinic is required for anyone without prior pack llama experience, and strongly recommended for everyone. You'll cover everything needed for a safe, successful hunt.
The clinic is included in your rental fee and is done at pickup at the ranch before your hunt.
Book Your HuntReserve Your Hunt
Hunting season books fast — especially September and October. Flat rate $75 per llama per day · 2 llama minimum. Pay your 50% deposit via Square; we confirm within 24 hours.
You will pay the 50% deposit securely via Square. We confirm availability within 24 hours. Remaining balance is due at trip start. Rate: $75/llama/day · 2 llama minimum.
Cancellation: 60+ days before departure: full refund minus a $100 administrative fee; 46–59 days: 50% refund of the total trip cost; 45 days or less: non-refundable (travel insurance strongly recommended). Full terms in the Lease Agreement.
You'll be redirected to secure Square Checkout to pay your 50% deposit. After payment, we'll confirm your reservation within 24 hours.
📖 Review your Trip Preparation Guide
View Trip Guide →Call or email Kevin directly — he'll help you plan the right setup for your trip.