Locations
Testing & Training
Through cooperative partnerships with landowners, the Big Sky Chapter is fortunate to train and test on large parcels of land which reflect the natural hunting environment. Our chapter is currently developing access policies for properties. In the meantime, please don't train on these properties outside of chapter sponsored training days, unless specifically coordinated with board members.
Muddy Dog Ranch
-
Muddy Dog Ranch
311 Wilson Rd, Great Falls, MT 59040Directions:
1. From Great Falls, head North on the Old Havre HWY
2. Turn left onto 15th St/US-87 N.
3. In 0.1 mi. turn left onto Bootlegger Trail.
4. In 6.4 mi. turn left onto Wilson Road (portions unpaved).
5. In 3.18 mi. Vinyard Rd will be on your left. Continue 0.1 mi. and Muddy Dog Ranch is on your right.
6. Enter using the second, west most, driveway.
NOTE: If you reach Stuckey Rd you've gone about 2.7 miles too far.
During testing events, lots of people camp at the testing grounds, and it's nice to be on site. There are no hook ups for campers. There is an outhouse and an unpressurized spigot of potable water. This is private property, and we request that you are extra considerate and respectful of the grounds! Cell service is spotty.
-
If you are pulling a travel trailer/RV please keep in mind that possibly many other campers will need to fit in the allotted space and park accordingly.
There are a few snakes that have been spotted on these grounds mostly Garter and Bull snakes, however Rattle Snakes have been present in the past. The only other potential hazards are a few barbed wire fences, gopher holes, and the road.
Local Veterinarian: In the event your dog requires medical attention we recommend: Big Sky Animal Medical Center, Great Falls, MT They are staffed 24/7 for emergencies Regular office hours are 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon-Fri, and 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat. 406-761-8387 Address: 5101 N. Star Blvd., Great Falls, MT 59405.
Helmville, MT
-
Helmville Rodeo Grounds
1. From US HWY 271, turn west on to Ovando Helmville Rd, head west for 0.4 miles. The Rodeo Grounds will be on your right (north).
Gravelly Property
Coming from Helmville or the Helmville Rodeo Grounds:
1. From US HWY 271, turn left (west) on to Ovando Helmville Rd, continue west for 9.9 miles.
2. Turn right (east) onto Brown’s Lake Rd and continue for 2.2 mi. The testing grounds will be on the left (north) side of the road.
PLEASE, even though the road through the field may have deep ruts, we ask that you stay in the established tracks.
Coming from Ovando:
1. Exit US HWY 200 onto Pine Street, continue on Pine Street and head south onto Central Ave.
2. Central Ave. merges with the Ovando Helmville Rd.
3. Continue on the Ovando Helmville Rd. for 6.5 miles.
4. Turn left (east) onto Brown’s Lake Rd. and continue for 2.2 mi. The testing grounds will be on the left (north) side of the road.
PLEASE, even though the road through the field may have deep ruts, we ask that you stay in the established tracks.
Geary Brothers Property
Coming from Helmville or the Helmville Rodeo Grounds:
1. From US HWY 271, turn west on to Ovando Helmville Rd, continue west for 8.8 miles.
2. Turn left onto Newman Potter Rd and continue for 1.2 miles.
Coming from Ovando:
1. Exit US HWY 200 onto Pine Street, continue on Pine Street and head south onto Central Ave.
2. Central Ave. merges with the Ovando Helmville Rd. 3. Continue on the Ovando Helmville Rd. for 7.6 miles. 2. Turn right onto Newman Potter Rd and continue for 1.2 miles.
Our club utilizes more than one location for training and testing in the Helmville area. The location will be covered in the information you receive from the training or test coordinator. However, depending on multiple factors, the exact location of the training or test may change from one Helmville location to another, which are only a few miles apart.
-
Please Note - cell coverage is very sparse in the Helmville. Do not rely on email, text or cell communications to provide up-to-date changes during test. The Test Secretary/Coordinator will have the most current information available. The nearest reliable internet access is at the Copper Queen in Helmville. Stop in and enjoy a cold beverage while you log-on.
If you are not certain where your test day is being held, please be sure to connect with the either the Test Secretary/Coordinator the day before your test.
Farmer John’s, Missoula, MT
-
Coming from US I-90 from either East or West
1.Exit US I-90 onto N. Reserve St. and head south.
2. Continue 2 mi on N. Reserve St./US 93 south.
3. Turn right onto Mullen Rd. At the first traffic circle, continue west/straight onto Mullen Rd.
4. At the second traffic circle, continue west/straight onto Mullen Rd.
5. Continue .5 mi and Farmer John’s will be on the left/south side of Mullen Rd.
Coming from South US 93/S. Reserve St.
1. Follow Reserve St. north and cross the Clark Fork River.
2. Turn Left onto Mullen Rd. At the first traffic circle, continue west/straight onto Mullen Rd.
4. At the second traffic circle, continue west/straight onto Mullen Rd.
5. Continue .5 mi and Farmer John’s will be on the left/south side of Mullen Rd.
PLEASE drive slowly. As you enter this property, you will drive through the barnyard adjacent to goat pens and the owner’s residences. This is a private working ranch and there are animals roaming freely. We ask that anyone utilizing this property shows the utmost respect courtesy to the land owner. PLEASE LEAVE ALL GATES AS YOU FOUND THEM (opened or closed)
Buckhouse, Missoula, MT
-
Coming from US I-90 from either East or West
1.Exit US I-90 onto N. Reserve St. and head south.
2. Continue 5.4 mi on Reserve St./US 93 South.
3. Turn right onto Brooks St./US 93 S. and continue
1 mile south west .4. The Buckhouse property will on the right/north side of the road.
As you enter this property, you will drive through a storage shop yard. This is a working storage area, please show the utmost respect courtesy to the land owner.