ARCHERY HUNTS 

Our archery hunts take place during the peak of the rut—when elk are the most vocal and active. During this time of year, bulls are bugling, competing for cows, and responding aggressively to calls. There’s nothing quite like hearing a bull’s bugle echo through the timber.​

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We hunt using a combination of calling, glassing, and stand hunting over wallows. Each day starts by driving into prime elk country, then continuing the hunt on foot. As with all western hunts, good physical preparation greatly increases your odds of success.

 

The second, third, and fourth weeks of archery season are typically the most productive. This is when bulls are most responsive to calls and opportunities to get close are at their peak. Hunting elk with a bow during the rut requires effort and persistence, but it’s one of the most rewarding and thrilling experiences the West has to offer.

 

 

RIFLE ELK HUNTS

 

 

Our rifle hunts are conducted using spot-and-stalk techniques, often beginning with a drive into key areas before continuing the pursuit on foot. Throughout the season, our guides track multiple herds and adapt to changing conditions to keep hunters in the best possible positions.

 

As the season progresses, elk numbers in our hunting area increase as new herds move in from surrounding regions. Early hunts focus on resident herds we’ve patterned during archery season, while later hunts often coincide with the start of the migration from higher elevations.

 

Physical conditioning is once again key—hunters who are prepared to hike and glass throughout the day typically see the best results.

 

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Rifle Hunt 1 — Opening Week

 

 

• Dates: Saturday (opening day) through Wednesday

• Focus: Resident bulls we’ve been watching all year

  This hunt offers the first opportunity of the season to harvest a bull with a rifle. On average, half of the bulls taken during this week are harvested on opening day. It’s not uncommon to hear bugles on the first morning, making for an exciting and high-energy start to rifle season.

 

 

 

 

Rifle Hunt 2 — Reduced Pressure

 

 

• Dates: Monday through Friday

• Focus: Resident elk with fewer hunters in the field

  By week two, public land pressure decreases substantially. This creates a more relaxed hunting environment while still offering excellent opportunities to target mature bulls that remained in the area after opening week.

 

 

 

 

Rifle Hunt 3 — Resident & Early Migration Bulls

 

 

• Dates: Typically the third week of the season

  This hunt combines the best of both worlds—resident elk that are still holding in the area, plus the first bulls of the migration beginning to move down from the high country. Pressure is lighter than opening week, and opportunities remain strong.

 

 

 

 

Migration Rifle Hunts — Weeks 4 & 5

 

 

As the weather in the high country turns cold and snowy, large herds begin their migration toward winter range. This movement often brings increased elk numbers into our area. These hunts can be excellent for targeting mature bulls as they travel to lower elevations in search of feed.

 

The scenery is incredible, the elk are concentrated, and success rates remain high during this portion of the season.