Bull Elk Archery or Rifle

Montana Bucks & Ducks offer both rifle and archery elk hunts across 15,000 acres of private mountain ground in southwest Montana. You can expect to see an abundance of elk most of the bulls we harvest are mature elk. Archery season starts in the first part of September and runs until rifle season during the entire elk rut.

Cow Elk Archery or Rifle

Montana Bucks & Ducks offer both rifle and archery elk hunts across 15,000 acres of private mountain ground in southwest Montana. You can expect to see an abundance of elk most of the bulls we harvest are mature elk. Archery season starts in the first part of September and runs until rifle season during the entire elk rut. Rifle season starts the 3rd Saturday in October and ends the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

Bull Elk:

• 5-day hunt

• Does not include food, lodging, or licenses

Cow Elk:

• 3-day hunt

• Does not include food, lodging, or licenses

Whitetail Deer/Elk Combo:

• 5-day hunt

• Does not include food, lodging, or licenses

• Not a trophy elk hunt

Rifle or Bow (and appropriate ammo or arrows): Ensure you’re familiar with your weapon and have it sighted in.

Binoculars: (10x42 is a popular choice): A good pair will help you spot animals from a distance.

Rangefinder: Vital for accurate shot placement in varied terrain.

Hunting Knife: A sharp knife for field dressing; consider a separate bone saw for elk.

Game Bags: (Optional) For packing out meat and keeping it clean.

Backpack or Pack Frame: Choose a pack that can carry essentials

Base Layers: Moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms; merino wool is a good choice.

Mid Layers: Insulated jacket or vest for warmth.

Outer Layers: Waterproof, windproof jacket and pants; Montana weather can be unpredictable.

Gloves: Waterproof and insulated, plus a thinner pair for when dexterity is needed.

Hat: Insulated or wool beanie and a blaze orange hat for visibility.

Orange Vest: Montana law requires that you wear at least 400 square inches of orange that is visible at all times.

Socks: Thick, moisture-wicking socks; bring extra pairs.

Boots: Waterproof, insulated, and broken in for comfort on rough terrain. Kenetrek is our preferred brand of boot.

Hunting License and Tags: Double-check to ensure you have them handy. If you have them on your phone, be sure to take a screen shot. The FWP app does not work when there is no cell coverage.

Hand and Toe Warmers

Snacks and Water: Easy access snacks like protein bars.

Cash tip for guides: 20% of the cost of the hunt.

GPS Device or Maps: (paper maps and compass as backups): Cell service can be spotty.

Bear Spray: Montana is bear country, so bear spray is essential for safety.

Shooting Stick or Bipod: For steady, accurate shots.