BACKCOUNTRY ARCHERY HUNTS
Our September archery hunt promises excitement and exhilaration in the wilderness. The Sun River Elk herd numbers over 1500, and in September, the fall breeding season is in full swing. Bugling is very effective in this archery-only area with many concentrations of Elk, Whitetail Deer, and some Mule Deer. Our guides use their knowledge of the area and calling to draw in the big bulls to put you within shooting distance. 2026 and 2027 Archery Hunts are Full.
BACKCOUNTRY RIFLE HUNTS
The migration season begins in late October. Each day begins before dawn to plan the day’s strategy over breakfast, and then head out by horseback for the day’s hunt. We use fair chase methods, employing saddle horses when appropriate, but doing a lot of stalking, glassing, and tracking on foot. We may do some aggressive hiking, depending on the location of game. Chances are good for snow and cold weather, which can cause the elk to herd up for their annual trek to lower elevations. We know the country and game habits well and will do our best to put you in a position to score a successful kill. Although we take our share of trophy animals each year, we do not guarantee any game taken. With top-notch equipment and courteous and knowledgeable staff, we will do our best to give you a rewarding and memorable hunting experience. We will gladly provide a list of references you may contact.
RIFLE HUNTS 2026
OCTOBER 27-NOVEMBER 3 (8 DAY) ARRIVAL October 26, DEPARTURE November 4
NOVEMBER 7-13 (7 Day) ARRIVAL November 6, DEPARTURE November 14
NOVEMBER 17-22 (6 Day) ARRIVAL November 16, DEPARTURE November 23
FULLY GUIDED HUNT RATES
2026 RATES: 6, 7, or 8-day hunt $700 per hunter per day plus forest service fee, and includes:
- Dinner, lodging, and breakfast at the ranch before heading out on the trail
- Packing you and your gear into our camp on horseback
- Use of our base camp
- Fully guided hunt (1 guide per 2 hunters)
- All meals – they are delicious and plentiful; we don’t skimp
- Care of trophies and packing out of game taken
NON-GUIDED HUNT RATES
2026 RATES: 6, 7, or 8-day hunt $600 per hunter per day and includes:
- Dinner, lodging, and breakfast at the ranch before heading out on the trail
- Packing you and your gear into our camp on horseback
- Use of our base camp, including meals
- Orientation and sharing of knowledge of best areas for elk
- Care of trophies and packing out of game taken
How to Book a Hunt
Our family handles all reservations and will strive to answer your questions to ensure this is a good fit for you.
1
Check availability by calling us at (406) 562-3653, by emailing us, or by using our online form.
2
Once your dates are confirmed, we’ll send a link to complete the reservation form and pay the deposit
3
You will receive a confirmation email and other information about your trip.
PAYMENT
TO RESERVE: To secure your reservation, pay a $500 non-refundable deposit at the time of booking. The deposit must be received within 10 days of booking, or forfeiture may occur. By April 15, or after you successfully draw your license, an additional $2000 is due. The remaining balance is due 2 weeks before your hunt. Payments are non-refundable. Credit card payments include a 3% fee.
Deposits are non-refundable except in the case that the hunter does not receive a license in the drawing. The deposit may be refunded in full or applied to a subsequent year only; otherwise, deposits and payments are non-refundable. **We highly recommend trip insurance in case of cancellation. Contact: https://www.montanaoutfitters.org/travelersinsurance/ or Travel Guard at 877-249-5376 or www.travelguard.com. If you choose to decline to purchase travel insurance, please understand that there are no exceptions to our cancellation policy.
CHECK-IN
Please arrive after 4:00 pm on the day before your hunt heads into the wilderness. You will have ample time to sight in your gun and give your gear to the packers to be packed. Dinner will be served at the Ranch at 6:00 pm, followed by an informal orientation and a trip-details talk.
TRANSPORTATION: Transfer to/from the Great Falls International Airport or a Great Falls hotel. Round-trip: $150 per person. We provide transportation as per the following schedule only:
Arrival: We typically pick up guests between 12:30 to 1:30 pm and will depart Great Falls no later than 2:00 pm on arrival day. Call beforehand for a meeting time and place. Please make your flight arrival before 2:00 pm.
Departure: The JJJ van will leave the Ranch around 9:30 am on departure day and arrive in Great Falls around 11:30 am. Please make sure the flight is after noon on departure day.
If your itinerary must fall outside this schedule, you can arrange to stay in one of Great Falls’ many motels the night before or after your trip. We can help with hotel referrals. *Because airlines often overbook flights, causing some guests’ arrival delays, it may be wise to arrive in Great Falls the day before. If your flight arrives late or you have an early flight out on departure day, you’ll need to rent a car.
