Montana Playground

The state of Montana is known for vast beautiful landscapes, endless blue skies, pristine rivers, and sky stretching mountain ranges.  This huge playground attracts the most enthused of outdoor enthusiasts.  Just mentioning an outdoor activity could in fact lead to an in-depth conversation with a total stranger.  Popular conventional activities include: fishing, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, climbing, biking, and starring in awe at beautiful sunsets.  If just one of these activities is interesting to you, than you would have something in common with 90% of the people residing in Montana!  However, there is much more to our geographic paradise than just a landscape that is eye candy to everyone.  Many unique outdoor activities exist in Montana, and the TRG family would like to share a few unconventional favorites.

One unique activity that can only be found in Montana is the Annual Bigfoot Hunt in Elliston, Montana.  This event is held by a local watering hole and in order to participate hunters are required to purchase a Bigfoot hunting tag.  The hunting tag gives you access to the mountain hunting grounds where Bigfoot (a man dressed in an exceptionally realistic Bigfoot costume) is hiding.

There are some rules that one must follow when hunting Big Foot.  First, the hunt does not begin till the moon has risen.  Any hunter seen inspecting the hunting grounds before the start is disqualified.  Second, once you find Bigfoot you must notify the rest of the hunters by blowing a whistle.  Third, if you want to keep your fingers, keep them away from Bigfoot’s mouth.  I am totally joking about the last one, but that is it for the rules!  Once the gun goes off to signal the start of the hunt, all hunters sprint, flashlight in hand, searching for Bigfoot.  However, it is not as easy as it sounds.

The hunt is held in March, and March in Montana means that the ground is still snow covered in the mountains.  Sprinting through knee deep snow provides for an entertainment that is best seen rather than explained.  It’s like trying to run with your shoes tied together!  Those who can make it fluidly through the snow are mostly trying to jump over the fallen victims, known as Bigfoot Snacks.  Those that are lucky enough to get up out of the snow may return to hunting, clearly much more tired than when they started.  A small cash prize is rewarded to the hunter who finds Bigfoot.  Most importantly, this gathering is not about the cash reward; the ultimate prize lies in the fun that is had with family and friends in the beautiful Montana mountains.  Heck, while you are having all that fun, you might as well try to find Bigfoot!