Sled Doggin'

Tools

By Jared Bray

Story Published: Nov 25, 2009 at 7:52 PM MST

Story Updated: Jun 5, 2011 at 9:00 PM MST

EMIGRANT -- Longtime musher Jason Matthews used to make a living competing in sled dog races, but recently, he’s found a new way to make some moolah.

With ecotourism on the rise -- including the number of travelers visiting the Treasure State -- Matthews now spends his winters showing strangers the scenic surroundings of southwest Montana.

"People are coming here not necessarily to get an elk or catch a fish, but they're coming here to see wildlife and see the wild places that we have,” he said.

Some of that wildlife includes Matthews’ pack of friendly, strong, and extremely hyper Alaskan Huskies who -- unlike the Siberian Huskies on movies like “Eight Below” and “Iron Will” -- are not bred for looks but to get the job done.

In fact, the canines can run up to 20-30 miles a day -- something they love to do, even in the harshest of weather conditions.

"They want to run, they want to pull the sled, they want to be in the mountains, they want to be in the snow,” said Matthews.

It’s because of their desire that Matthews’ Yellowstone Sled Dog Adventures can offer travelers a wide range of trips, such as a two-hour “sled dog sampler” and an overnight stay high in the mountains.

Although he misses the rush of mushing competitions, Matthews says he’s enjoying the his new business and hopes his new line of work will continue to flourish.

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