Outfitting and dude ranch big business in Montana

It’s not unusual for tourism-related businesses to combine services, such as the dude ranch stays, pack trips and guided hunting trips offered by JJJ Wilderness Ranch out of Augusta, said Norma Nickerson, director of the Institute for Tourism & Recreation Research at the University of Montana.

Providing a blend of related offerings, which all revolve at least partly on providing horses for riding and pack trips, "allows such businesses to be a little less seasonal," she said. "They also get a different clientele in the summer enjoying dude ranch activities or scenic pack trips than those who might relish hunting trips in the fall."

Those sorts of services – dude ranches, pack trips and outfitter-guided hunts – are common throughout Montana and contribute a lot to state and local economies, Nickerson said.

Overall Montana, a state of 1 million residents, experienced 12.3 million travelers from out of state in 2016, according to ITRR surveys. Those visitors spent an estimated $3.5 billion in the state last year and directly supported some 38,300 jobs, up to 52,630 jobs counting a ripple effect.

Peter Johnson, [email protected]

Full Story: http://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/money/2017/03/07/outfitting-dude-ranch-big-business-montana/98835818/

***

Back Country Horsemen of Montana

OUR PURPOSE; To perpetuate the common sense use and enjoyment of horses in America’s back country and wilderness. To work to ensure that public lands remain open to recreational stock use. To assist various agencies responsible for the maintenance and management of public lands. To educate, encourage, and solicit active participation in the wise and sustained use of the back country resource by horsemen and the general public, commensurate with our heritage. Foster and encourage formation of new Back Country Horsemen organizations.

http://www.bchmt.org/

***

VOTE MONTANA TODAY – We think Montana should be considered as a destination for the Outdoor Retailers Show. Do you agree? http://www.matr.net/article-75827.html