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Hunting Ranch Jobs in Montana (NOW HIRING)

Hall and Hall

Centennial Valley Manager Couple

Lima, MT · On-site

... Ranch. Facilitate lease horse arrival, use, and return. Maintain any equine equipment/tack in good working order. • Wildlife & Habitat Management: Hunting program administration, if required, fish ...

Nature

Matador Ranch Assistant Manager

Dodson, MT

The Assistant Manager will work closely with the Matador Ranch Manager to coordinate, prioritize and execute Ranch operational needs, including livestock and grazing management, hunting access ...

Paws Up Montana

Teamster

Bonner, MT · On-site

$25/hr

Set on a 37,000-acre ranch, Paws Up embodies the spirit of the American West. It's a family owned ... Hunt and Buck Brannaman. The wagon teams are often also ridden under saddle and ground worked in ...

Paws Up Montana

Wrangler

Bonner, MT · On-site

The ranch is located outside of Missoula, Montana and offers those interested (and qualified) the ... Hunt and Buck Brannaman. In this program, those basics are defined as: Feel, Timing and Balance. We ...

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How much do hunting ranch jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for hunting ranch in Montana is $19.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $22.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are Jobs on a Hunting Ranch?

Jobs at a hunting ranch include a variety of workers who are either involved in guest services and maintaining various aspects of ranch operations. Your duties as a ranch guide involve taking guests on hunting trips around the property. In this position, your main objective is to help guests seek out animals. Your responsibilities also include ensuring their safety by providing instruction in firearm use if necessary. Ranch hands perform maintenance around the property, care for hunting dogs and other domesticated animals, and provide additional support services. Big-game ranches and other large ranches sometimes have cooks, housekeepers, and other hospitality staff.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hunting Ranch Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hunting Ranch Manager, you need knowledge of wildlife management, land stewardship, hunting regulations, and often a degree in wildlife biology or natural resources. Familiarity with GPS mapping, habitat management tools, and compliance systems for state and federal regulations is essential. Strong leadership, communication, and customer service skills help build positive relationships with staff and clients. These abilities ensure effective ranch operations, legal compliance, and a safe, enjoyable experience for guests and wildlife alike.

What are some of the common challenges faced by staff working at a hunting ranch, and how can they be effectively managed?

Staff at a hunting ranch often face challenges such as managing wildlife populations ethically, ensuring guest safety, and maintaining the property in varying weather conditions. Balancing guest expectations for a successful hunt with conservation practices requires strong communication and problem-solving skills. Effective teamwork and regular training are key to addressing these challenges, as is adaptability to the seasonal nature of the work. Collaboration with guides, maintenance crews, and hospitality staff ensures a smooth operation and a positive experience for guests.

What is a hunting ranch?

A hunting ranch is a privately owned property where individuals can hunt game animals in a controlled and managed environment. These ranches often stock native or exotic species, provide guided hunts, and offer amenities like lodging and meals to guests. Rules and regulations typically apply to ensure ethical hunting practices and wildlife conservation. Hunting ranches can cater to both experienced hunters and beginners, often providing equipment and expert guidance. They are popular destinations for recreational hunting and sometimes for wildlife observation as well.

What is the difference between Hunting Ranch vs Hunting Guide?

AspectHunting RanchHunting Guide
Primary RoleManages and maintains a hunting property, overseeing operations and wildlife managementAssists clients during hunts, providing safety, guidance, and expertise in hunting techniques
Required CredentialsWildlife management certifications, ranch management experienceHunting licenses, safety certifications, sometimes guides have specialized hunting certifications
Work EnvironmentRural, outdoor, large private propertiesOutdoor, on-site at hunting locations, often on private or leased land
Employer & Industry UsageHunting ranches, wildlife reserves, outdoor recreation industryHunting outfitters, outdoor recreation companies, private hunting lodges

In summary, a Hunting Ranch focuses on managing the property and wildlife, while a Hunting Guide provides direct assistance and expertise to hunters during their hunts. Both roles are essential in the hunting industry but serve different functions within the hunting experience.

More about Hunting Ranch jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Hunting Ranch jobs in Montana? The most popular types of Hunting Ranch jobs in Montana are:
What are popular job titles related to Hunting Ranch jobs in Montana? For Hunting Ranch jobs in Montana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Hunting Ranch jobs in Montana look for? The top searched job categories for Hunting Ranch jobs in Montana are:
Hunting Ranch jobs near you
Centennial Valley Manager Couple

Centennial Valley Manager Couple

Hall and Hall

Lima, MT

Other

Medical, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Ranch Manager Couple Job Description

Ranch Overview

The Ranch encompasses approximately 1,600 deeded acres in the remote Centennial Valley of Montana. The ranch leases out seasonal grazing for approximately 150 cow-calf pairs, utilizing rolling foothills, and serves as a private retreat for the owners, their family, and guests. Recreational activities include fishing, riding, hiking, hunting, and seasonal gatherings.

The property includes a large main home and supporting bunkhouse, manager's residence and shops, and outbuildings, all of which require regular care, maintenance, and oversight. The Ranch Manager Couple will ensure that facilities are well cared for, the land is stewarded responsibly, and guests are welcomed in a professional and hospitable manner. The remote location requires diligence and familiarity in operating safely while being competent and resourceful.

Reporting Relationships

The Ranch Manager Couple reports directly to the owner and works closely with the owner and advisors. The manager couple is expected to collaborate effectively with contractors, vendors, service providers, and community partners.

1. Land, Infrastructure & Equipment

Roads & Access: Road repair and routine grading, gravelling, culvert maintenance, signage, firebreaks, and cattle guard/gate maintenance. Snow removal from all roads on the Ranch.

Buildings & Utilities: Exterior maintenance on all Ranch structures. Conduct and schedule inspections as required (electrical, alarm systems, HVAC, water, septic, roofs, and siding), coordinate repairs, and ensure seasonal readiness (cleaning chimney, winterizing, openings/closings). Snow removal from all walkways and exterior areas surrounding the main house and bunkhouse.

Equipment Management, including recreational equipment: Preventive maintenance schedules, fuel storage oversight, and safe operation of vehicles and equipment.

Fencing: Maintain, repair, and construct perimeter and interior fencing to support livestock management and property security.

Grounds & Landscaping: Perform all regular and seasonal maintenance of Improvements on the Ranch. Including all landscaping and lawn care associated with the main house and the bunkhouse, including but not limited to all planting, seeding, irrigation, mowing, weed-whacking, trimming, tree and brush removal, and sprinkler system maintenance.

Fishing pounds & picnic areas: Landscape around the ponds for easy access, maintain supporting docks and structures, including picnic areas. Coordinate/conduct proper pound care and maintenance.

Timber: Arrange for removal of dead timber, cut firwood, and dispose property including the use of secure burn piles.

Emergency Preparedness: Fire mitigation (fuel reduction, defensible space), flood response, backup generators as required, first aid and emergency protocols.

2. Agricultural & Livestock Operations

Pasture & Range Management: Monitor land resources and lease tenant to ensure sound rotational grazing plans, soil health monitoring, and lease performance.

Livestock Oversight: Monitor herd distribution, water supply, and fencing for lessee cattle; coordinate with grazing tenants.

Irrigation & Water Rights: Use, to their fullest extent, any irrigation rights appurtenant to the Ranch. Manage legal compliance, water allocations, irrigation technology, and drought contingency planning.

Noxious Weed Mitigation: Develop and implement effective strategies for monitoring, controlling, and preventing invasive species.

Additional Livestock: Care for other small pet livestock such as sheep or barnyard animals, as needed.

Horse Activities: Maintain all the existing walking and riding trails across the Ranch. Facilitate lease horse arrival, use, and return. Maintain any equine equipment/tack in good working order.

Wildlife & Habitat Management: Hunting program administration, if required, fish stocking or habitat enhancement, and partnerships with conservation agencies.

3. Hospitality & Guest Services

Guest Readiness: Ensure homes, cabins, and guest facilities are clean, stocked, and fully operational before owner or guest arrivals.

Event Support: Coordinate and assist with recreational activities, gatherings, and special events such as fishing trips, horseback riding, holiday celebrations, picnics, and BBQs.

Household Staff & Service Providers: Oversee schedules and performance of housekeepers, cooks, part-time staff, and service providers as needed.

Discretion & Privacy: Anticipate guest needs while maintaining professionalism, confidentiality, and respect for family privacy.

4. Administration & Finance

Reporting: Provide regular email status updates regarding the Ranch and improvements. Communicate regularly by email and/or phone in the event decisions need to be made by the Owner.

Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate logs for maintenance, equipment inventories, land use, and water rights.

Vendor & Contractor Management: Oversee performance, ensure compliance with insurance and liability requirements.

Technology & Tools: Utilize ranch management software, spreadsheets, GIS mapping, or other digital tools for planning and reporting.

Financial Administration: Pay invoices, maintain monthly bookkeeping records, and submit copies of receipts and back-up invoices for all Ranch expenditures.

Logistics: Collect mail and other notices, collect shipments, and deliver packages to appropriate facilities in surrounding towns while ensuring items are relied to Owner.

5. Community, Compliance & Representation

Legal & Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to all local, state, and federal requirements, including grazing permits, water rights, and hunting and fishing regulations.

Community Relations: Maintain positive relationships with neighbors, local officials, and service providers; represent the ranch and owners with professionalism.

Advocacy & Agency Interaction: Serve as the ranch's representative with DNRC and other relevant agencies.

Security & Surveillance: Monitor ranch boundaries, prevent trespassing, and coordinate with local law enforcement when necessary.

Local Contractor Relations: Maintain goodwill with local contractors and vendors to ensure strong working partnerships.

6. Leadership & Human Resources

Hiring & Oversight: Recruit, supervise, and, when necessary, dismiss staff or contractors to support ranch operations.

Safety Culture: Promote and enforce safe work practices around equipment, livestock, and the ranch environment.

7. Owner Support

Lifestyle Management: Ensure homes and facilities are stocked with supplies and prepared for owner visits, as directed.

Activity Coordination: Arrange and support recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, riding, hiking, picnics, and BBQs.

Special Projects: Oversee building construction, landscape improvements, or habitat restoration projects as directed.

Guest Support: Provide assistance for family members and guests, maintaining a friendly professionalism, discretion, and respect at all times.

Transportation: Conduct running errands to surrounding supply centers and other transportation needs for owners and guests.

8. Sustainability & Vision

Conservation: Maintain soil, water, and habitat health through responsible land management practices.

Resource Stewardship: Implement sustainable approaches to grazing, irrigation, and weed control.

Habitat Care: Support wildlife and fishery health through thoughtful maintenance and improvements.

Qualifications

Minimum 5+ years of experience in ranch management, property oversight, or a comparable land and hospitality environment.

Proven ability to operate and maintain a wide range of ranch equipment and vehicles.

Strong organizational and problem-solving skills; detail-oriented and resourceful.

Professional, discreet, and trustworthy, with respect for family privacy.

Capable of working independently and collaboratively as part of a small professional team.

Comfortable living in a rural environment and managing operations in harsh seasonal conditions.

Strong communication skills, both oral and written; fluent in English.

Comfortable using smartphones, email, texting, and standard computer software for communication and record-keeping.

Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Onsite subsidized housing provided.

Benefits package including health insurance, PTO, and holidays.

Company vehicle provided for ranch-related use.

Opportunity to live and work in one of Montana's most sought-after ranch settings.

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