REPLACE W/ Our USFS permits are located in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness area immediately adjacent to the western border of Yellowstone Natl. Park. This is part of the Gallatin National Forest and administered by the Hebgen Lake Ranger District.
The Taylor/Hilgard portion of this Wilderness Area climbs to the southeast end of the Madison/Gallatin range and is bordered on the west and east by the Madison and Gallatin Rivers, The high alpine basins, grassy ridges and parks, timbered side hills and drainages are ideal habitat for an abundance of Montana’s Big Game animals. Mtn Goats and Bighorn Sheep favor the highest reaches of the major drainages, 9-11,000’ elev., while the Moose, Deer, Bears (yes, both species) and ELK, HERDS and HERDS of ELK make the lower region, 7-8500’ elev,., their summer range.
Our base-camp is situated a short ride, two hours on gentle, trail-wise horses, and 5 miles from the trailhead. It sits on the east edge of a large bowl at 8600’elevation.with two high peaks rising to the northwest and west. A high ridge of cliffs runs off to the south to meet the main trail heading west over a 10,000’ pass. This is a major Elk migration route to the historic winter range on the Upper Madison Valley.
A mile to the north of our base-camp is a perfect “hanging” valley with all the amenitie associated with a true Wilderness setting. We have the only permitted site in this little piece of Paradise and use it primarily for drop- camps and goat and sheep hunts. ..
This particular area has recently been designated a GALLATIN SPECIAL GAME MANAGEMENT AREA.and is OPEN to ELK HUNTING by SPECIAL PERMIT ONLY. There are UNLIMITED PERMITS; # 310-50: You MUST APPLY for Special PERMIT to be USED WITH VALID ELK LICENSE: .This permit cost was $9 last year. The AREA was restricted to BULLS ONLY last year which was good, This Area comprises about 25% of our Hunting Area,.
Behind camp, to the east, are two large drainages running south to the trailhead, If you can see the sun, all streams run to the south and the trail head. It’s hard to get lost in this country but even harder to climb back up to camp.
Camp consists of a large Cook tent with stove, grill, tables, chairs, “kitchen” and plenty of nourishment of both body and spirit. Sleeping tents have a wood stove, .cots with pads, lantern, firewood and wash basin. An automatic snoring machine is optional. A latrine tent./tack tent round-out a comfortable self sufficient Wilderness retreat.. A Guides tent, Latrine tent and a Supply-storage-saddle tent round out a comfortable self sufficient Wilderness hunting camp. Just like the good old days. A high-line for the horses at night, a small electric fence for hay storage, ( perhaps), and a 14’ bear proof “meat” pole, ( for sure!!) ensures we will rest easy at night...
Morning comes an hour or so before daybreak for the cook and a bit later for the guides who will stoke the stoves in the sleeping tents, groom and feed the horses and ready them for saddling, then return to light the lanterns in the sleeping tents. A quick head-count at least one breathing in every bag, (turn off the snoring machine) and head for the cook tent for coffee. Breakfast, saddle horses while hunters eat, grab sack lunches, check for orange vests, licenses, rifles, cinches, who-goes where-with whom? They’re off!
We like to be away by first light, not in the dark, as we often have game and/or sign within a few hundred yards of camp...If we hunt reasonably hard in the morning and find game, we have time to hunt carefully and, when successful, can retrieve the elk that same day. Otherwise it’s not hard to figure where to be the ext morning. It’s nice to be near camp by at least late afternoon. There is a lot of movement to water and back in the evening.
One last piece of advice: The cook tent is a great place to congregate and converse before and during dinner. Be careful not to linger too long when finished , however, or you may find yourself with a wet dish towel in your hand as the cook turns the lantern off.
We pride ourselves on a clean, hopefully dry, reasonably warm camp with good food, good hunting, great company and greater memories! The scenery isn’t too bad either. Come along with us and “enjoy”!
Considerations:
2012 rifle hunts will run the first and second weeks of Montana’s general rifle season: 20-25th and Oct, 27-Nov 1st. Dress for warmth!
We supply the food, cook, camp, horses and guides. YOU must bring your own SLEEPING BAG ( Rated SubZero). Please refer to our “What to Bring” page for a list of items you are responsible for, and if you have any questions about items you might like to bring, please give us a call.
We would like to see a rifle that is zeroed in at at least
200 yards, or 3 inches high at 100 yards.
We recommend at least 1 box if not 2 boxes of shells.
Be competent with your gun. We suggest shooting as much as you can before you come out to hunt with us. Shoot at different distances and know where your bullet drop is at these ranges.
Calibers: 7mm, .280, .300, .338, and so on. We like to see guns that can reach out, but still have the knock down power.
Our guides are skilled and knowledgeable hunters who are very familiar with the area and provide quality hunts. All guides are first aid and CPR certified, as well as knowledgeable of hunting regulations.
You can contact us to learn more about our special packages for hunting Montana elk and other special permit big game such as mountain goat and moose.
We hope to help your big game hunting dreams come true!
Please click the links below for more
information.
