Premier Elk Hunting in Montana

Elk hunting with Absaroka-Beartooth Outfitters provides one of the finest elk hunting experiences in the Rocky Mountains. We take a limited number of clients which allows us to ethically sustain wildlife populations and provide world class hunting experiences year in and year out. We manage the resources to provide long term sustainability for generations to come. MFWP describes our elk populations as “over-objective.” The combination of our private and public land concessions allows us access to diverse landscapes and habitats with always another place to go hunt elk. Our guides are licensed, experienced and focused on the client and their hunt. Fair chase hunting with Absaroka-Beartooth Outfitters allows a unique experience for both archery and rifle hunters. Come join us for a hunt of a lifetime.

Montana’s licensing for elk is through a draw system. There are avenues you can improve your odds of drawing with which your Outfitter can help you. When you book a hunt with us, we are attentive to your questions and your hunt experience from the time you first contact us until you depart from your hunt.

We offer wilderness and private land hunts for both archery hunters and rifle hunters.

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.

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General licensing information

Important Information for Resident and Non-Resident Hunters before applying for hunting licenses

If you were born after January 1, 1985, you are required to show proof of completing a Montana hunter safety and education course or an approved hunter safety course from any other state or province prior to applying for or purchasing a hunting license whether the hunting license is for rifle or archery.

All first time bow and arrow license purchasers must enter their bowhunter education certificate number (NBEF) or provide any prior year’s bowhunting/archery stamp, tag, permit or license from any state or province.

If you intend to purchase a black bear license for the first time, you need to have passed the FWP Bear Identification test. It can be found online at FWP’s website. Click on Education, then Hunter Education. Choose Bear Identification Program.

All licenses purchased or applied for online, including those with kill tags, can now be printed from your computer. If you apply for a license, you will be notified if you draw and sent a link to print your license. All licenses can only be printed once. So, be prepared to print once you are sent the link. You can also request that drawn licenses be mailed to you instead of emailed to you. These licenses which are now in your physical possession are valid for immediate use.

If you need to purchase licenses for yourself and immediate family members, you must do so in separate transactions and provide the appropriate identification required for each individual.

Non-residents who do not have an ALS number established and are purchasing a conservation license for the first time must be prepared to provide the last 4 digits of their social security number per Montana Code Annotated to comply with the Federal Welfare Reform Law. A conservation license is required when purchasing a hunting or fishing license.

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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.

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