Archery Elk Hunting in Montana
We offer wilderness and private land hunts during archery season. Archery season begins the first Saturday in September and runs through mid-October. Archery hunters must have a bow and arrow license for the archery-only season. If you are an archer, we can show you some excellent archery country.
Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks (MFWP) hunting regulations and dates are released in March of each year. Please check the MFWP website for confirmation of season dates.
Archery Wilderness Hunts
Our archery wilderness hunts are in rugged, rigorous country, typical of the great hunting areas in North America. The elk in this area are a resident and migratory herd. The area is rough and remote, which allows the elk the years necessary to develop quality antlers. The landscape varies from large open meadows to lightly timbered south slopes and long benches.
These are 7-day hunts (day in, 5 days hunting on horseback, day out). A typical day of hunting consists of breakfast, saddling up, and riding out of camp before daybreak. Some days we will hunt until late morning, return to camp, and then hunt again in the late afternoon until dark. Other days we will stay out all day. Walking and/or riding are mandatory. Being in good condition for hiking and riding will help you have a more successful hunt. We will hunt as hard as you choose to hunt. Our guides are experienced outdoorsmen who know the area extremely well.
Our back-country archery camp, Independence, is located 55 miles south of Big Timber at head of the Boulder River. Independence is accessed by 4×4 vehicles or horseback. Accommodations include a comfortable tent camp with a seasoned camp cook.
Archery Wilderness - Big Game Combo
Elk (priority) Deer, Black Bear, Wolf
Season/pricing: View information Packet
Location: Independence Camp
Accommodations: Tent camp and meals
7-day trip: 1 day in, 5 days hunting, 1 day out
License needed for Elk and Deer: General Big Game Combination, Bow & Arrow License
License deadline: April 1st
Other license options: Black Bear & Wolf – over the counter
License deadline: Fall Black Bear – August 31 / Wolf – check MFWP website
Private Land Hunts
Our private land archery hunts are on select ranches near Big Timber, MT and the Lazy E-L Ranch in Roscoe, MT. These ranch hunts are 7-day hunts (arrival day, 5 days hunting, departure day). All of these ranches are hunted with a general license. Accommodations are in a lodge with meals provided.
Big Timber Ranches
The Big Timber Ranch hunts are located just minutes outside of Big Timber, MT on thousands of acres of rolling hills with flowing creeks. Elk and deer roam the countryside in healthy populations. All of the Big Timber ranches are hunted with a General License. We take a limited number of hunters to provide the best hunting experience. A great benefit to hunting the Big Timber Ranches is the opportunity to hunt multiple ranches depending on the movement of the elk.
Elk/Deer Combo Archery Hunt - Big Timber Ranches
Elk (priority) Deer
Season/pricing: View information Packet
Location: Big Timber Ranches
Accommodations: Lodge and meals provided
7-day trip: arrival, 5 days hunting, departure day
License needed: General Big Game Combination, Bow & Arrow License
License deadline: April 1st
The Divide Ranch
The Divide Ranch is a rarity. The ranch offers archery hunters a unique trophy hunting opportunity with a General License. This hunt focuses on trophy opportunity for elk, mule deer, and whitetail deer. The distinct topography provides a game friendly habitat that is sustained by thoughtful land management and wildlife conservation. We use a combination of 4-wheelers, hiking, and horses for this special hunt.Elk Archery Hunt - The Divide Ranch
Location: The Divide Ranch
Season/pricing: View information Packet
Accommodations: Lodge and meals provided
7-day trip: arrival, 5 days hunting, departure day
License needed: General Big Game Combination, Bow & Arrow License
License deadline: April 1st
Elk/Deer Combo Archery Hunt - The Divide Ranch
Location: The Divide Ranch
Season/pricing: View information Packet
Accommodations: Lodge and meals provided
7-day trip: arrival, 5 days hunting, departure day
License needed: General Big Game Combination, Bow & Arrow License
License deadline: April 1st
Lazy E-L Ranch
The Lazy E-L is a family owned ranch nestled at the foot of the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness just outside Roscoe, Montana. With 12,000 acres of land and 5 miles of river frontage, wildlife abounds in this spectacular, unspoiled setting. The ranch offers a high-quality hunt with opportunity for harvesting respectable size elk. This combination elk hunt is a 7-day hunt (arrival day, 5 days hunting, departure day). We hunt 1 guide to 2 hunters and take only 6 hunters per hunt for rifle and 2-4 hunters per hunt for archery. In addition to being a good place to hunt, the beauty and history of the Lazy E-L Ranch is movie set worthy .
Elk Archery Hunt - Lazy E-L Ranch
Location: The Lazy E-L Ranch
Season/pricing: View information Packet
Accommodations: Lodge and meals provided
7-day trip: arrival, 5 days hunting, departure day
License needed: General Elk Combination License, Bow & Arrow License
License deadline: April 1st
Fulfill Your Sense of Adventure.
Licensing Information for Elk Hunting
For Private Land hunting, non-residents must apply for a big game or elk combination license through the Montana drawing system. You may apply for a special permit at the same time you apply for the general draw. Residents must hold a valid elk license to apply for a special elk permit.
General licensing information
Important Information for Resident and Non-Resident Hunters before applying for hunting licenses
Hunting Deposit & Payment Policy
A partial deposit of $1000 is required to book your hunt. If you do not draw a license, the $1000 partial deposit will be rolled over to the following year, if space is available, or refunded. The drawing takes place in mid-April. The remainder of the deposit (50% of the cost of the hunt) is due when the draw is posted and is non-refundable. The balance of the hunt is due 30 days prior to your hunt and is non-refundable. Hunts not fully paid by this date will be considered cancelled. We recommend Trip Cancellation Insurance. Montana Outfitters & Guides Association suggests Global Rescue Travel Insurance.
All hunts will include an additional fee of $50 for the Hunter/Angler Defense Fund. This fund was set up by Montana Outfitters & Guides Association for the purpose of defending non-resident hunting and fishing rights in the State of Montana. (Information on HADF can be found in the General Hunting Information Packet.)
We accept Credit Cards (Visa/MasterCard only) and Checks. Make Checks Payable to: Absaroka-Beartooth Outfitters, Inc.
