Big Hole Haven is a 21-acre private goose hunting property on the Big Hole River just outside Melrose, Montana, in Silver Bow County. Set in the heart of the Big Hole Valley along the Pacific Flyway, this one-day layout hunt is built around river-bottom birds and grain fields that pull geese in all season.

The ground pairs a productive stretch of river with crop fields planted on a rotation of barley, oats, and corn. Once harvest is in, waste grain becomes the main draw, and Canada geese work between the fields and the river from late fall into winter. Backwaters and wetland edges give birds a place to loaf between feeds, keeping traffic steady. The open fields set up well for a layout spread, with the river acting as a natural flight line overhead.

Melrose sits right off I-15, so you can be set up in the dark without a long drive. Once you park, all access is on foot. Up to six hunters can hunt the property, making it a great fit for a small crew, a hunt with your dog, or a first waterfowl trip with a new hunter.

The ranch runs cattle year-round, so expect livestock and leave every gate as you found it. There is no bathroom on site. Camping is available on request, and the ranch offers Airbnb lodging nearby for an additional charge.

Big Hole Haven sits where river bottom meets farm ground, which is exactly what geese look for in the Big Hole Valley. The rotating barley, oat, and corn fields leave behind waste grain after harvest, giving birds a reliable food source as the season moves into colder weather. The river corridor serves as a travel lane for migrating flocks, while nearby wetlands and backwater sloughs offer quiet water for resting midday. Expect geese to feed in the fields early and late, then move toward the river to loaf. Sandhill cranes, deer, and other wildlife also use the property throughout the fall, and the valley’s mountain backdrop makes every morning in the blind worth the early alarm.

1 Day

Reservation fees are processed at the time of booking and are non-refundable. All outdoorsman fees will process automatically, 48 hours prior to the hunt.

Cancellations must be made 48 hours or more prior to the adventure. Cancellations made within 48 hours will be subject to partial or full outdoorsman fee charges.

You are not legally allowed to access the property, for any adventure, prior to your selected access day. If you try to access the property at all before your selected date(s), without prior approval from IO, you will be subject to trespassing and punishments therein.