The antecedents of the modern outfitter are numerous and varied, reaching far back into mythology, allegoric literature, history, and geographic exploration. Throughout history, guides have played two distinct roles, the pathfinder and the mentor (Oschell 2004). The outfitters and guides of today possess and expand on both of these roles. Outfitted trips tend to fit the realm of sustainable tourism and ecotourism in its true form.

The purpose of this study was to assess the current and future of the outfitting and guiding industry in Montana through an analysis of the economic contribution, a supply side inventory, and an analysis of the client-guide experiences.