2025 Montana Elk Outfitters & Guides Recommendations

[Bradverbs]

Ok, I'll bite.

I have no personal knowledge of either operation, but as a Montanan, I'll say this:

Anchor Outfitters LLC's website says they hunt the Crazy Mountains, and in looking at the photos, probably on private land at least some of the time. Right now, the Crazies are one of the parts of the state that is over objective with elk numbers, and there are significant access issues for public land hunters. That is a very good thing, as many pieces of landlocked public are essentially private land for all intents and purposes.

IMO, one of the first steps in picking a good outfitter is picking a good hunt area. Contrast this with the hunts in places like the Bob Marshall Wilderness or the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, where you are already behind the 8-ball when you start out, despite any skill of the outfitter, due to very low game numbers.

Hidden Valley Outfitters website just says they hunt the "Helena-Lewis & Clark National Forest Lands as well as some bordering private ranches." The mountain range is not mentioned.

To me, that sounds like you're going to be on public land mostly. That is not necessarily a bad thing, and they have a lot of dead bull pictures on their website, but do you really want to roll up to a trailhead and find 5 vehicles there already? That is a part of hunting public land, but I'm not sure I would pay an outfitter for it, especially when there are other options. I would investigate further and maybe talk to past-season hunters if you can get their contact info (you should do that for any hunt).

One other option - AND I AM NOT VOUCHING FOR THIS OUTFITTER - is Hammer 'Em Outfitters in the Big Belt Mountains. The only reason I am mentioning them is that Bob Hammer was a former game warden in Central MT, and even after he retired from the State, he was willing to have a 30 minute phone conversation with me about a unit I was applying to. I thought that spoke volumes about his character. They also run their outfitting business on the Galt Ranch, which in MT is pretty much synonymous with lots of elk. But, I have not gone on a hunt with them or talked to anyone who has, so take it with a grain of salt.

Do you own research. Hope this helps and have a good hunt.

I’ve never thought about picking an outfitter based on location before but that’s really great advice

 

[Jeremyc_1999]

Ok, I'll bite.

I have no personal knowledge of either operation, but as a Montanan, I'll say this:

Anchor Outfitters LLC's website says they hunt the Crazy Mountains, and in looking at the photos, probably on private land at least some of the time. Right now, the Crazies are one of the parts of the state that is over objective with elk numbers, and there are significant access issues for public land hunters. That is a very good thing, as many pieces of landlocked public are essentially private land for all intents and purposes.

IMO, one of the first steps in picking a good outfitter is picking a good hunt area. Contrast this with the hunts in places like the Bob Marshall Wilderness or the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, where you are already behind the 8-ball when you start out, despite any skill of the outfitter, due to very low game numbers.

Hidden Valley Outfitters website just says they hunt the "Helena-Lewis & Clark National Forest Lands as well as some bordering private ranches." The mountain range is not mentioned.

To me, that sounds like you're going to be on public land mostly. That is not necessarily a bad thing, and they have a lot of dead bull pictures on their website, but do you really want to roll up to a trailhead and find 5 vehicles there already? That is a part of hunting public land, but I'm not sure I would pay an outfitter for it, especially when there are other options. I would investigate further and maybe talk to past-season hunters if you can get their contact info (you should do that for any hunt).

One other option - AND I AM NOT VOUCHING FOR THIS OUTFITTER - is Hammer 'Em Outfitters in the Big Belt Mountains. The only reason I am mentioning them is that Bob Hammer was a former game warden in Central MT, and even after he retired from the State, he was willing to have a 30 minute phone conversation with me about a unit I was applying to. I thought that spoke volumes about his character. They also run their outfitting business on the Galt Ranch, which in MT is pretty much synonymous with lots of elk. But, I have not gone on a hunt with them or talked to anyone who has, so take it with a grain of salt.

Do you own research. Hope this helps and have a good hunt.

I had some friends that hunted the Galt ranch. They shot some big bulls in archery. If I ever had the opportunity I'd do it. Also a native Montanan here.

 

[clove2180]

Great read! Any updates or feedback from this year?


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[Vikingpapa]

Agreed no industry standard but I feel like there’s also a wide variety of expectations. If you’re hunting prime private ground or a high point unit I feel like it’s reasonable to expect higher odds at harvest. Like Laramie said, research is the biggest key. I’ve never done a hunt anywhere close to 10k but a few at the 5k range in otc units and low pt units and had pretty darn good success as well as being happy with the outfits we chose. Making tons of calls to past clients, researching the area, harvest stats, and matching your capabilities with the right type of hunt is the best things you can do. One thing I’ve realized if you’re a decent hunter, who is proficient with your weapon, and in decent shape, a lot of what your paying for in convenience and not so much about opportunity on animals. Not messing with cooking food, getting water, horses, etc etc. Theres a ton that is out of the outfitters control but being a well organized, having hard working guides, decent food, and knowledge of the area goes a very long way with clients.

 

[Vikingpapa]

CoHuntr82, I enjoy your posts and could certainly use your knowledge as I’m in Vermont. I’m looking to take my two sons this September for a guided archery hunt. Any info you could help me with would be much appreciated. I’m 67 , my boys are 37 and 41. We are very proficient whitetail hunters, successful elk hunters two years ago in New Mexico. Thank you in advance

 

[RC_]

CoHuntr82, I enjoy your posts and could certainly use your knowledge as I’m in Vermont. I’m looking to take my two sons this September for a guided archery hunt. Any info you could help me with would be much appreciated. I’m 67 , my boys are 37 and 41. We are very proficient whitetail hunters, successful elk hunters two years ago in New Mexico. Thank you in advance

Unless you guys have points saved up in a couple states to help with drawing a tag, you’re honestly behind the ball at this point for a fully guided bull hunt for 3 people in 2025. Most good outfitters should be booked up for or will have a list of clients with enough points to try and draw in their units. Landowner tags in NM or cancellation hunts on landowner tags in NM or somewhere else might be your best bet at this point but it’s going to cost you and again finding somewhere with 3 tags makes it trickier. I’m sure there are options for drop camps and semi guided hunts in no-low point units in certain states but you’d want to significantly temper your expectations. You could also look into hunting up in Alberta.