Montana Wilderness Elk Hunt Outfitter Recommendations

[HornPorn]

Looking for recommendations for an Outfitter in Montana for the following criteria:

• Not in the Bob or in NW Montana
• Archery
• General tag area
• Horseback or backpack is fine
• Canvas wall tent w cook, or bring our own tents and spike out and make our own meals is fine

We want to stay on the mountain/in the backcountry. No staying at a lodge and driving to trailheads every day

 

[jakespiering]

Looking for recommendations for an Outfitter in Montana for the following criteria:

• Not in the Bob or in NW Montana
• Archery
• General tag area
• Horseback or backpack is fine
• Canvas wall tent w cook, or bring our own tents and spike out and make our own meals is fine

We want to stay on the mountain/in the backcountry. No staying at a lodge and driving to trailheads every day

Where did you end up going? @HornPorn

 

[HornPorn]

Where did you end up going? @HornPorn

Still havent been. Seems there are 2 kinds of guided elk hunts in MT:

1. Private land hunt for 280-330 bulls at 10-12K just for the spot, nevermind tip, travel, and meat processing/shipping, etc. Its $20K by the time you get hoome and get your head back from the taxi.

2. Wilderness hunt in a shot-out, predator infested area for a 50% chance at a raghorn for around $5-6K.

I can't get comfortable with either

 

[Ridgerunner]

Don't blame you, neither option sounds appealing. Maybe look to Wyoming.

 

[CAElkhunter]

Wyoming will cost you the same. Any decent unit will take 6 -7 points. $300-$500 in point fees. Any decent Wilderness outfitter is $8-10K. Tag prices for NR are going up every year.

Unfortunately there are few bargain quality Outfitted Elk hunts anymore.

 

[Jon Boy]

Still havent been. Seems there are 2 kinds of guided elk hunts in MT:

1. Private land hunt for 280-330 bulls at 10-12K just for the spot, nevermind tip, travel, and meat processing/shipping, etc. Its $20K by the time you get hoome and get your head back from the taxi.

2. Wilderness hunt in a shot-out, predator infested area for a 50% chance at a raghorn for around $5-6K.

I can't get comfortable with either

This is exactly correct. Most of those 10-12k outfits shoot sub 280 bulls as well.
I can’t think of a single back country outfit I can recommend as far as having a decent shot at success. Lots of good camping trips to be had though

 

[lifeisgoodsteve]

Still havent been. Seems there are 2 kinds of guided elk hunts in MT:

1. Private land hunt for 280-330 bulls at 10-12K just for the spot, nevermind tip, travel, and meat processing/shipping, etc. Its $20K by the time you get hoome and get your head back from the taxi.

2. Wilderness hunt in a shot-out, predator infested area for a 50% chance at a raghorn for around $5-6K.

I can't get comfortable with either

That 50% chance at a raghorn may be generous too, depending on the outfitter.