Guided hunt for my older dad: Wayne Hill Outfitting?

[westonadkins]

Any and all feedback on this is greatly appreciated.

My dad and I have talked about getting out to Montana to hunt elk for years. A backpack hunt was out of the question for him as he'll be 69 years old next fall. He is in good shape, walking his 10k steps per day and stays pretty trim. He's been bow hunting since before compound bows were even a thing, so he has experience on that end. I think he could handle more than he thinks, but he wants to do a guided hunt for understandable reasons.

I read about Wayne Hill outfitters somewhere and read good things. A seven day, one-to-one archery hunt is decently priced at $4800. I called and talked to Wayne, and he says he hunts between 3-5k elevation and hike about 4-5 miles per day, which my dad feels good about.

My main question is: does anyone have any experience with Wayne Hill outfitting? Any information is super helpful. Any other suggestions related to outfitters or getting an old guy in front of elk is also welcome.

Thanks so much and Merry Christmas!


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[Ross]

The country they hunt I have hunted for twenty years in mt met them and other outfits several times have hunted just over the line in Idaho since 1980. This country is the most difficult otc elk country you will find. Reason being dense vegetation, rainy and foggy and steep country with numbers not what they were ten years ago and many wolf packs in the area.You have a chance at a great bull and deer. That being said if I’m I spending 5k on a one time elk hunt I would look for other areas if success percentage is high on the list for you. If looking for remote beautiful country with a low percentage at success it is a good choice. A decade ago this was a good option.

 

[Rob Patuto]

The country they hunt I have hunted for twenty years in mt met them and other outfits several times have hunted just over the line in Idaho since 1980. This country is the most difficult otc elk country you will find. Reason being dense vegetation, rainy and foggy and steep country with numbers not what they were ten years ago and many wolf packs in the area.You have a chance at a great bull and deer. That being said if I’m I spending 5k on a one time elk hunt I would look for other areas if success percentage is high on the list for you. If looking for remote beautiful country with a low percentage at success it is a good choice. A decade ago this was a good option.

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[buck_shot11]

I hunted with Wayne Hill outfitters this year. They are an absolutely great outfitter and have already booked for next year. The guides will work their asses off to get you a bull. The food is amazing and the lodge is extremely clean and comfortable. Having said all of that, the terrain is extremely tough! There shouldn't be any reason you and your father can't be ready but, it is very tough terrain.

Between the food, lodge and guides - the tough terrain is worth the challenge.

I am booked for the 15-21st

 

[westonadkins]

Very helpful information. Thank you!

For those of you suggesting looking elsewhere, are you talking different units/areas within Montana? Different states?

I've been researching using online forums and bowsite, but I have found it challenging to narrow in on a outfitter otherwise. Any suggestions on other resources to differentiate outfitters?

Again, thanks for all the help. Greatly appreciated.


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[sneaky]

Are you going during archery? If you draw a Montana tag you can hunt rifle as well. That would give you a better chance of success. I'd be looking at outfits a little closer to central MT so as to up success rates and be easier on your dad. That western MT terrain is pretty unforgiving. Big bulls in there for sure, but they get that way for a reason.

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[westonadkins]

Are you going during archery? If you draw a Montana tag you can hunt rifle as well. That would give you a better chance of success. I'd be looking at outfits a little closer to central MT so as to up success rates and be easier on your dad. That western MT terrain is pretty unforgiving. Big bulls in there for sure, but they get that way for a reason.

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Yeah, archery is the idea. We're from South Dakota, and my dad got a cow tag in the Black Hills in '99. He said the screaming bulls he heard on that cow hunt make him want to get out there during the rut. Can't argue with that!


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[sneaky]

Yeah, archery is the idea. We're from South Dakota, and my dad got a cow tag in the Black Hills in '99. He said the screaming bulls he heard on that cow hunt make him want to get out there during the rut. Can't argue with that!


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There's backcountry rifle hunts available in MT during the rut as well down around yellowstone. That country is no worse than the jungle of western MT.

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[westonadkins]

There's backcountry rifle hunts available in MT during the rut as well down around yellowstone. That country is no worse than the jungle of western MT.

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I have some buddies who hunt down by Big Sky. Had to shoot a charging grizzly. Not sure I want to cut my teeth that close to Yellowstone..


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[sneaky]

I have some buddies who hunt down by Big Sky. Had to shoot a charging grizzly. Not sure I want to cut my teeth that close to Yellowstone..


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Think of the adventure! Lol. Keeps a lot of people out of that country though. Statistically speaking that's an anomaly though.

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[westonadkins]

Think of the adventure! Lol. Keeps a lot of people out of that country though. Statistically speaking that's an anomaly though.

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I'll work up to it hah! Ran into one in Glacier last summer too. They're all over MT no doubt about it. Just something to be prepared for I suppose.


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[slick]

There’s more bears in Glacier country.. just so you know.

 

[sneaky]

There’s more bears in Glacier country.. just so you know.

That is the most litigated national forest in the country as well lol

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[slick]

That is the most litigated national forest in the country as well lol

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Flathead or Kootenai? The Rocky Mountain front is Lewis and Clark.

Also back on track. Wayne Hill has some impressive bulls under his belt from his website. Half look like Rosie’s with their crowned points.


Ross- is that typical up there in your experience? For mature bulls to crown like that.

 

[sneaky]

Flathead or Kootenai? The Rocky Mountain front is Lewis and Clark.

Also back on track. Wayne Hill has some impressive bulls under his belt from his website. Half look like Rosie’s with their crowned points.


Ross- is that typical up there in your experience? For mature bulls to crown like that.

Flathead. I did some work for the Forest Service Forest Management director and we had a good convo about wolves, bears, and forest management. He said their hands were tied at every turn through litigation.

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[Ross]

Yes indeed the strain of elk in that area has a high propensity to crown out with heavy mass. Most of the big bulls shot on their site along with elk creek outfitters were shot 5-30 years ago.nothing really big for the last few seasons I have a friend in noxon who provides feedback on herd strength in that area at this time.

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IMO there would be better options with better opportunity at success in other areas of the state or other states for $5000. There was someone on here who hunted with Cody Carr this fall and he hunts the same country. Find that post and pm them for details on their hunt two months ago.

 

[westonadkins]

Yes indeed the strain of elk in that area has a high propensity to crown out with heavy mass. Most of the big bulls shot on their site along with elk creek outfitters were shot 5-30 years ago.nothing really big for the last few seasons I have a friend in noxon who provides feedback on herd strength in that area at this time.

- - - Updated - - -

IMO there would be better options with better opportunity at success in other areas of the state or other states for $5000. There was someone on here who hunted with Cody Carr this fall and he hunts the same country. Find that post and pm them for details on their hunt two months ago.

We are looking into other options thanks to all your advice. I appreciate all your input!


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[CC]

WestonAdkins Pm me and I can give ya a few details.

 

[MTguy0341]

My hunting partner guided with Wayne for a few years and for another outfit up there for a few. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the outfits. It's definitely rough country and can go a while without seeing an elk due to the density in vegetation up there. If you're looking for alot of elk and bugle fests, there's other places I would go. Beautiful country though.

 

[SoDaky]

Weston,i’d Listen to Ross.
I hunted there quite a few years but years ago.Not sure if ever met Wayne but knew Billy,Dave and Edna Hill.All Good people.Tough people,tough country.At my age now,would never think of trying it.
Also from SoDak but out of State hunting now-thank god am missing the blizzard.Feel free to PM me.