Photography by Gretchen Pelham
HAVE HOUNDS - WILL TRAVEL
Going stir-crazy and Jonesing for travel? COME HUNT OUT WEST, where the country is big and social distancing isn’t a problem. (Unless you want it to be.)
DESTINATION: Cowboy Country, USA
Big Sky Hounds joins Red Rock Hounds on a 10-day romp over some of the most immensely arresting off-the-beaten-path fixtures IN THE WORLD.
DETAILS BELOW
by Gretchen Pelham
THE RANCHES AT BELT CREEK & BIG SKY COUNTRY, MONTANA - October 9 - 15
First stop, The Ranches at Belt Creek, October 9th - 13th, where we will stay at this luxurious 7,000 acre private guest and cattle ranch and hunt for three days. Then on to Three Forks, MT, home of Big Sky Hounds - October 13th - 15th. Check into the historic Sacajawea Hotel for two nights, and we’ll hunt Wednesday - this is the place that first saw hounds in Montana twenty years ago! We will also welcome those just joining us at the Bozeman (BZN) airport. Of course, the best steak on the planet cannot be missed at The Land of Magic.
MILES CITY, MONTANA - October 15 - 20
Home of the World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale (not to be missed when we return in May 2021) and some of our favorite people and places, Miles City hosts us October 15th - 20th. We’ll not only hunt these massive working cattle ranches with the men and women who ranch them, we’ll also help with their fall gathers and work cattle — for four full days horseback. AND, if all goes right — we’ll be treated to a bucking horse futurity, where we can cheer on the broncs that Terry Haughian and Kelly Baber hope to take on to National Finals Rodeo!
This is Opening Weekend for Big Sky Hounds. Saturday, October 17th, kick up your heels for a Denim and Diamonds Hunt Ball in downtown Miles City.
Details below.
Another winner by photographer Gretchen Pelham. Mary Tiscornia pushes cattle at author and rancher John Moore’s ranch outside Miles City.
Foxhunters after six hours gathering cattle 2019 - still smiling
Due to COVID, all activities and itinerary are subject to change. We will be taking headcounts only, not deposits. PLEASE RSVP ASAP to hounds@montanahorses.com for meals and hunt ball so we know how many to expect. Horse leases will be handled separately. Lodging is handled separately.
DETAILS
Thursday, October 8th - Caravans depart Red Rock (Reno) headed to Pocotello, ID for the night.
Friday, October 9th - Caravan departs Pocotello early, bound for Belt, MT (near Great Falls).
THE RANCHES AT BELT CREEK (Belt, MT) - Friday October 9 - Tuesday October 13th (4 nights) Check in to your beautiful lodges and settle your horses before a 5 star meal at this new fixture. Please contact Renee at (406) 579-4060 to reserve your space at the Ranch. limited space available. Pens and stalls are available, hay will be arranged, and we will hunt Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. FORMAL attire first day, then casual, boots/jeans, or ratcatcher possible remaining days (depends on weather). All inclusive rates for lodging and meals - talk to Renee, do not contact the Ranch directly. $100 capping fee for non-RRH or BSH members.
BIG SKY COUNTRY (Three Forks, MT) - Lodging at the Sacajawea Hotel (406) 285-6515, call to reserve in the Foxhunters block. Outdoor horse pens available at the Three Forks Rodeo Arena (406) 539-4488, $15/nt (paid directly at arena), BYO hoses, buckets, etc. Hay can be arranged. Meals will be at various local restaurants and pubs, off the menu. $100 capping fee for non-RRH or BSH members. Contact is Renee at (406) 579-4060 or hounds@montanahorses.com.
Tuesday, October 13th - caravan down to Three Forks. Check in to the hotel for 2 nights. Dinner TBA.
Wednesday, October 14th - Hunt. Casual attire. - Green’s (meet at the corner past wagon wheel) 11am $100 capping fee for non-RRH or BSH members. Dinner plans TBA.
Thursday, October 15th - Caravan departs Three Forks early, bound for Miles City, approximately 4-5 hour drive. For those joining us only for the Miles City leg, arrive in Billings (BIL) this day and either rent a car or catch a ride as the caravan goes through..
MILES CITY, MT - Lodging is at the Miles City Hotel and Suites. Contact Mia at 406-234-1000 or mia@milescityhotel.com to reserve a room in the Foxhunters block. Pet rooms available. Rooms are limited due to a wedding that weekend, book early. Horse pens are available at the Eastern Montana Fairgrounds (42, Garryowen Rd, Miles City, MT 59301) 15/nt. payable to the Fairgrounds. BYO hoses, buckets, forks, etc.. Shavings and hay can be arranged. Before settling, find us for barn assignments, livery providers will need large blocks together. There are a few electric hookups near the stalls, $15/nt. Hookups for campers/LQ might be available at the KOA (406)-232-3991, but they could be closed if freezing. Hunt breakfasts or afternoon meals TBA based upon location and activities for the day. Dinners TBA at locations around town. Saturday Hunt Ball is Denim and Diamonds - $125/pp - please RSVP.
Thursday, October 15th - Arrive Miles City, check in. Dinner TBA, then probably to the Bucking Horse Saloon.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, October 16 - 19 - Hunt or cattle work. $100/day capping fee (hunt only) for non-RRH or BSH members. We’ll announce next day’s itinerary each night or call (406) 579-4060. Caravans will depart from the Fairgrounds. Formal and cowboy up attire.
Saturday, October 17th - BSH HUNT BALL 5:00pm. Denim & Diamonds. Help BSH welcome new Master Lynn Lloyd and kick off the season. Dinner & dancing, cash bar, at Park Place, downtown, catered by the 600 Cafe. $125/pp at the door. We will not be holding a silent auction or formal fundraiser, so we sincerely appreciate your support by purchasing a ticket.
Tuesday, October 20th - Depart. Caravan will be traveling back through Billings and Bozeman if anyone needs a ride to accommodate late Tuesday or Wednesday flights.
Gretchen Pelham captures Angela Murray leading her hounds, and the rest of us, up a narrow trail to the next big valley at the Haughian Ranch. Be sure to follow Gretchen Pelham’s intrepid adventures - The Naked Foxhunter
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THE WEST IS WAITING!