WILLOW RANCH OUTFITTING/willowoutfitters.com/ Storrs Bishop-OUT #190/Owner has been operating on the Gallatin Natl. Forest for 33 years. The southern portion of the Madison Range, adjacent to the western border of Yellowstone Natl. Park, became a WILDERNESS AREA in 1983. It is managed and supervised by the Hebgen Lake Ranger Dist. in West Yellowstone, Mt. This very special complex of high mountain peaks, 11,000', alpine basins and lakes feeding distinct drainages in all directions makes the entire region ideal high-country summer range for "Big Game" populations, especially ELK. The Lee Metcalf Wilderness is truely a rugged and wild place.
We provide 6-Day ELK Hunts in Sept. ARCHERY and Oct. RIFLE seasons. THe base-camp, at 860' elev., is a 2-hour ride from the trailhead and is situated at the edge of the timber. It consists of wall tents with wood stoves, cots and lanterns, a large cooktent, tack tent, latreen tent, etc. Our horses are gentle and savey. Our staff is mature, experienced, and made up of professional hunting guides who work together as a team. We keep the camp-size small with a 2/1 "hunter/guide" ratio (Max: 6 clients, preferably 4).
The elk population is in good shape this year both in numbers and quality mature bulls. Willow Ranch Outfitting operates 20 miles west of Yellowstone N.P. Just over the Madison/Gallatin (counties) divide, 1 mile North of our base-camp, is a new Game Management unit/ELK only that requires a separate "tag" wich must be purchased by June 1st. This is very worthwile.
In order to be a part of Big Game Hunting In Montana you must first possess a Montana big game license. Montana big game hunting licenses are issued for residents and non-residents at different rates, so be sure to specify the kind of license you require. In addition to the Montana big game license that is required, hunters looking to hunt Montana moose, bighorn sheep, antelope, bison, deer, or mountain goat will need a special hunting permit. The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks department awards both the Montana big game hunting licenses and the special permits for hunting special kinds of big game.
With the Passage of MT Initiative 161 in November 2010,Montana no longer issues "guaranteed" tags or Outfitter Sponsored Tags. What does this mean to you? This means that any non-resident looking to hunt on private or public lands must enter their name into a "draw," pay the fee (approximately $900), and wait to see if you get a tag. Once you get a tag you can officially book through an Outfitter for your hunt. Many people put deposits down with Outfitters to "hold a spot" and the deposit is refunded if a tag is not drawn.
The prices for the Montana big game hunting tags vary year to year. Please go directly to Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks website: http://www.fwp.mt.gov/ for more details and specific dates and prices for licenses. The deadline for elk and deer applications is typically Mid-March each year.
After applying for your big game license and /or special Montana Hunting Permits to hunt special kinds of big game, you must wait to see if you will win the special permit awarded through a drawing system. Typically hunters apply for a special permit and pay the special permit hunting fee before the registration deadline and their name is entered into the drawing. After the drawing, if you were not one of the lucky ones to be awarded the special permit to hunt then you will be refunded the money you originally paid for the special permit.
If you are looking to apply for any of the Montana Hunting Permits or special permits to hunt specific kinds of Big Game Hunting In Montana, the quickest way is to go on the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks department's website which offers online registration and a quick way to learn more about all the Montana Hunting regulations.
WILLOW RANCH OUTFITTING/willowoutfitters.com/ Storrs Bishop-OUT #190/Owner has been operating on the Gallatin Natl. Forest for 33 years. The southern portion of the Madison Range, adjacent to the western border of Yellowstone Natl. Park, became a WILDERNESS AREA in 1983. It is managed and supervised by the Hebgen Lake Ranger Dist. in West Yellowstone, Mt. This very special complex of high mountain peaks, 11,000', alpine basins and lakes feeding distinct drainages in all directions makes the entire region ideal high-country summer range for "Big Game" populations, especially ELK. The Lee Metcalf Wilderness is truely a rugged and wild place.
