Meet Our Guides
Stockton Outfitters’ team of professional guides is ranked nationally and renowned for their ability to aid hunters in attaining their dreams. Whether hunting bear, elk, or mule deer you can rest assured that your hunt or back country excursion is in the hands of true professionals whose sole purpose is to assist individuals in the pursuit of not just game, but what it takes in mind, body, and spirit to call yourselves true HUNTERS.
Vaughn Esper
MT Outfitters License # 6808
Vaughn has spent a lifetime guiding and outfitting hunters and fishermen throughout the world. A native of Oklahoma, he has owned and operated outfitting businesses in Canada and Montana. Vaughn worked with ESPN sports and was involved in the production of sporting shows for the network. He is the Owner – Broker of Esper Ranches. His knowledge of big game hunting is global and his professionalism is second to none.
505 W. Main St., Suite 309
Lewistown, MT 59457
Contact: 406 529-1121
Jay Winfield
MT Guide License
Jay is a native Montanan whose passion for all things outdoors led him to an astounding professional career with the USDA Forest Service. Jay and his wife, Monica, are the owners of Sugar Loaf Lodge and Jay is the founder/President of Stockton Outfitters’ parent company, Pintler Paradise, Inc. Jay is a veteran outdoorsman and his vast hunting & equestrian experience provide for an unparrallelled Montana adventure.
Jeff Tart
MT Guide License #29820
Jeff grew up in the mountains of northeast Georgia and joined the Army at 17. After 10 years in the service, he moved back to Georgia and started guiding fisherman on the weekends to make extra money. A part-time job turned into a full-time passion. That was 20 years ago and the guide trail has led from Georgia to Alaska to Argentina with a few stops in between.
Jeff & his family now reside in Dillon, Montana. Jeff is a backpack hunter that loves the high country and believes in hunting hard and smart. His pursuits have included various big game species but bears remain his favorite. A hunt with Jeff combines his years of experience with an unparalleled work ethic and passion.
Matt Rowe
MT Guide License #34848
Matt is a native of Western Montana and has guided professionally for over 10 years. Before joining Stockton Outfitters (2007), Matt spent time as packer/skinner and apprentice guide in Alaska. His passion for hunting started at youth under the guidance of his grandfather, father, and uncles; however, over the years Matt has become a true professional. As a guide, he has been featured in several national hunting shows. Simply put, Matt produces results for his clients. He is an accomplished archer (modern and traditional) and applies a vast range of hunting/calling knowledge to make each hunt successful.
Erik Scott
Erik Scott
MT Guide License 4451
Erik Scott joined Stockton Outfitters team of professional guides in 2021. Erik is an avid outdoorsman whom has spent his lifetime fishing, hunting, hiking and horn hunting throughout the Pacific Northwest. He began archery elk hunting at the early age of 12. This youthful passion has grown with each success through the years as Erik has evolved to become a master caller and woodsman. Erik is methodical in his approach to the sport and applies great patience and unbridled positivity to each adventure.
Bryce Carver
MT Guide License 33825
Bryce is a native to South Western Montana and has been hunting the Big Hole Valley since he was old enough to carry a firearm. Bryce has been guiding professionally since he was 22 years of age and has a multitude of experience with both archery and rifle hunting techniques. Though primarily an elk, deer and ungulate hunter, Bryce is also an accomplished black bear and predator guide.
Bryce’s vast knowledge of the country combine with an enthusiastic, results oriented approach which is certain to make any outdoor experience and enjoyable one.
John McClernan
MT Guide License 49233
John is a Montana native whom grew up hunting the Rocky Mountain West. He has a lifetime of knowledge regarding the pursuit of all big game species in the Western United States and has over 30 years direct experience in the country hunted by Stockton Outfitters. John is an accomplished Houndsman and maintains a high-quality kennel of cougar and bear hounds. A welcome addition to our staff, John’s vast knowledge of the area, unparalleled hunting experience, and qualified team of dogs adds a new element to Stockton Outfitters’ team of professional guides.
Kole Kankleborg
Camp Chef – Le Cordon Bleu
Kole is a native of South Western Montana, but like so many others he was forced to leave the area to pursue his culinary dreams. Kole attended Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Las Vegas and spent most of his adult life working up and down the Vegas strip in the finest of high-end restaurants. After returning home to Montana, Kole joined the professional team of Stockton Outfitters as our camp chef. The meals which he prepares provide the foundation of each hunt. They are all carefully balanced to provide each hunter with the nutritional elements required to maintain energy and stamina throughout a week of hunting. Kole’s advanced culinary knowledge turns an often simple meal into a true sensory experience.