Is previous hunting experience required?

No, the course is suitable for beginners and those looking to improve their skills.

What should I bring for this course?

Bring weather-appropriate clothing, binoculars, a water bottle, and any personal safety gear.

Is transportation provided?

Participants need to arrange their own transportation to and from Big Creek Outdoor Education Center.

No, participants should bring snacks or lunch for the day.

Will I see wildlife during the course?

While wildlife sightings depend on conditions, the area offers good opportunities for observation.

Can kids participate in this course?

This program is designed for adult participants or those 16 and older.

Wildlife/Nature Hunting Prep at Glacier Institute

Situated near Big Creek Outdoor Education Center, the Glacier Institute offers a specialized nine-hour hunting preparation course led by seasoned experts Anthony Nelson and Riley Dennis. This program is ideal for hunters looking to sharpen their skills and gain confidence for upcoming seasons. The course covers crucial safety protocols, tracking techniques, and insights into animal behavior, making it a comprehensive experience for both novice and seasoned hunters. The Glacier Institute’s location provides a rich environment filled with diverse wildlife, making it an ideal setting for hands-on learning. Participants will get up close to local flora and fauna that serve as critical cues during a hunt, all while benefiting from expert instruction in a supportive setting. Their approach emphasizes respect for nature and sustainable hunting practices, aligning with conservation efforts in the region. The facility itself offers a comfortable base to refine skills and connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts, creating a sense of camaraderie essential in the hunting community. What sets this course apart is its focus on foundational safety combined with practical field techniques in a region renowned for its rugged terrain and abundant wildlife. Whether you’re preparing for your first hunt or seeking to improve accuracy and safety, this experience ensures you're equipped and confident. The Glacier Institute’s commitment to conservation, education, and outdoor adventure makes it a standout choice for those looking to merge skill-building with environmental responsibility. Overall, this program not only enhances your hunting abilities but deepens your appreciation for the natural world in this beautiful mountainous landscape.

About Glacier Institute

Glacier Institute is an outdoor education organization based in Columbia Falls, Montana, offering guided hikes, workshops, and multi-stop series in Glacier National Park. The Institute leads day trips and experiential classes that combine field-based education with interpretive natural history, emphasizing geology, wildlife, fire ecology, and land stewardship. Trips range from short nature-journaling sessions to full-day hikes such as the Highline Trail, Many Glacier, Avalanche Lake, and Hidden Lake Overlook.

Guided hikes commonly run between two and ten hours and are led by Outdoor Education Specialists who provide on-trail instruction about alpine ecosystems, glacial landscapes, and local flora and fauna. Evening and specialty outings—like the Evening Hike to Hidden Lake Overlook and the Fire Lookout Series—pair scenic viewpoints with focused lessons on park ecology.

Educational workshops include the Forest Bathing Workshop led by Ellen Horowitz, and a Nature Journaling Series taught by Zowie Caouette; these classes emphasize sensory awareness, creative observation, and conservation-minded engagement. The Into the Wild: A Nature Immersion Experience blends forest bathing and journaling into a guided five-hour session designed to deepen connection with place.

All programming centers on immersive, interpretive experiences inside Glacier National Park. The Institute’s offerings are factual, time-defined, and described in trip summaries to help participants select appropriate routes and durations. Prospective visitors can expect guided, curriculum-driven outings that prioritize safety, interpretation, and environmental stewardship in one of Montana’s most iconic landscapes. Booking information, trip distances, and detailed itineraries are provided in official trip descriptions to support informed decision-making, and gear recommendations where available.