A Day at Dutch Oven Outfitters:
A Perfect Blend of Learning & Adventure
​
If you’ve ever dreamed of mastering backcountry and lodge cooking while enjoying the breathtaking beauty of the wilderness, then our Hunting Camp Cook School is the perfect experience for you.
​
Each day is structured to provide hands-on training, skill-building, and free time to explore.
Whether you’re here to learn wilderness cooking techniques or to prepare for a career in hunting camp kitchens, we ensure a balanced schedule that includes immersive lessons and the opportunity to take in the great outdoors.
So, what does a typical day look like? Let’s break it down.
**These times do not reflect actual Backcountry work hours due to it being unpredictable in each camp, each day. In hunting camps, your days will start between 3:00 a.m. - 5:00 a.m. and end anywhere from 8:00 pm - 10:00 p.m.
We will be covering this topic heavily.
The one constant in this business is Change.
Always leave room for it.
​
Our day at these classes will look something like this and are subject to change without notice.
Morning: A Hearty Start to the Day
10-Day Classes
Will start much earlier, and your entire day will not be on the same schedule as our 2 & 4-day classes.
Those classes are for individuals who want to do this as a hobby, unlike you. You are doing a deep dive and securing an amazing career!
​
2-Day & 4-Day Class time
Early morning - roughly around 7:00 AM –
Rise & Shine - Wake Up & Coffee by the Fire
We start the day early—hunting camp cook training will be much earlier!
The smell of freshly brewed cowboy coffee fills the air as students gather around the fire. This is the perfect time to shake off the morning chill, swap stories, and get ready for a day of hands-on learning.
​
Roughly around -8:00 AM – Breakfast Preparation & Morning Lesson
Each student will take turns preparing hearty camp-style breakfasts, just as you would in a backcountry lodge or outfitter camp.
During breakfast prep, we’ll be teaching you skills
After we’ve enjoyed breakfast, we’ll tackle clean-up as a team.
Mid-Morning: Hands-On Training & Skill Building
Roughly around-9:00 AM – Dutch Oven Cooking Lessons & Breakfast
This is where you get your hands dirty—literally! We’ll dive into essential skills every hunting camp cook should know.
We will be covering a lot of topics. These hands-on lessons provide real-world experience, ensuring you leave with skills you can use anywhere.
Midday: Free Time & Exploring the Outdoors
Roughly around -10:00 AM –Clean-Up & prep lunches
Lunch will be a campfire feast featuring meals prepared by the students under our guidance, or a to-go lunch for those who want to go and explore for a couple of hours.
We’ll also discuss meal planning, food preservation in the backcountry, and how to cook for large groups in remote locations.
Roughly around-10:30 AM – Free Time to Explore.
The next few hours are yours to enjoy!
We encourage you to:
Hike the trails around Paradise Valley
Fish in the nearby rivers and streams
Soak in the nearby hot springs
Horseback riding in our valley (you'll need to book this ahead of time)
Take a short trip to Yellowstone National Park (only 38 miles away!)
Relax onsite, read a book, or go shopping
This downtime lets you experience the freedom of backcountry life, just as you would in a real wilderness hunting camp. Just remember, this comes after daily chores are complete.
Afternoon: Arrive back at Base Camp:
More Skill Development & Campfire Cooking
Roughly around 3:30 PM – Advanced Cast Iron Cooking & Baking
We jump back into cooking instruction, focusing on more advanced techniques.
This session mimics wilderness cooking, preparing students for the demands of outfitter camps and remote lodges.
Evening: Dinner & Campfire Community
Roughly around 4:00 PM – 7:00 Cooking Dinner Over the Fire
Students will prepare a full-course meal, learning how to cook for large groups efficiently.
This is the real deal—cooking under pressure, making adjustments for weather conditions, and learning how to serve a group on time. Which means, whenever they arrive.
​
Roughly around 7:30 PM – Clean-up, Campfire Stories & Reflection
After a full day of learning and adventure, we wind down with:
Storytelling around the campfire
Live music (bring your instrument!)
Stargazing in the crisp Montana air
This is the time to ask questions, share experiences, and absorb the lifestyle of a backcountry cook.
Final Thoughts:
The Experience of a Lifetime
Each day at Dutch Oven Outfitters is a mix of hands-on training, real-world application, and outdoor adventure. You’ll walk away with confidence in your cooking abilities, a deeper understanding of backcountry life, and a new appreciation for cast iron cooking. This course covers over 85 topics, yes, that's right, 85! We will be working hard during this time and playing/exploring hard too!
Whether you’re here to start a career in wilderness cooking, expand your skills, or simply enjoy a rustic learning experience, our program is designed to inspire, educate, and empower.
​
Join us for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Montana!
Let’s keep the tradition of cast iron cooking alive—one Dutch oven at a time!
