Art Yadon

March 23, 1926 – March 3, 2009

Art Yadon of Big Horn Outfitters was an early and energetic member of MOGA. Art began outfitting in 1970, a longtime dream that followed a ranching career in the Gallatin Valley that spanned the 40s, 50s and 60s. Other than his time in the Army, Art resided near Manhattan his entire adult life and raised his family there. He enjoyed teaching his children (Shari, Denise, Daryl, Kevin and Lisa) to hunt and fish. Known as “Cowboy” to many, Art also taught his children to ride and saddle horses. 

Art loved his sheep hunting; he was one of the few outfitters who completed his own North American Wild Sheep Grand Slam. He guided sheep hunts in the Spanish Peaks and in the Absaroka-Beartooth Mountains. He also guided quality big game hunts in several Montana locations.

Art served several years on MOGA’s Board of Directors during the mid-80s. He represented Montana on the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep (now the Wild Sheep Foundation) Outfitter Advisory Board. Art thoroughly enjoyed visiting with people and sharing hunting and cowboy stories. He could play a fine tune on the fiddle and harmonica, and he loved to yodel. He and his wife Tracy enjoyed dancing at MOGA conventions.

Art sold his A-B sheep hunting business to Lee Hart, and his Spanish Peaks operation to Merritt Pride. He passed away March 3, 2009, at the age of 83.