Frequently Asked Questions

All non-residents of Montana must apply for, and draw, annual deer and elk permits. There are no “landowner tags” available for purchase in Montana. Application period for deer and elk is open March 1st - March 31st. Non-resident hunters must draw a General License in order to be entered into the Special Drawing for our Premier Leases. Non-resident hunters who draw a General License, and are then not successful in drawing a region specific Special Permit, may return their General License back to the state for an 80% refund, if done so by August 1st, or a 50% refund before the general season starts. Keep in mind, that your preference points will not be reinstated if you return your General License for a refund. Non-resident draw odds increase with both Bonus and Preference Points, accumulated annually. North Country Outfitter is able to weight client applications with an additional “Outfitter Preference Point”, only available when under contract with us. We are happy to offer our clients application assistance and encourage you to contact us as soon as possible to guarantee your on time and accurate application submission.

More information on Montana elk lotteries here :: https://www.huntinfool.com/states/montana/elk

Our premier Montana leases boast impressive road systems across a diverse collection of terrains. Trucks and side-by-side vehicles are regularly used to access our different hunt areas. Mellow creek bottoms continue into rolling mountain meadows that often turn to steep timber ranging between 5,000’ to 6,000’ in elevation. We encourage everyone to be in good hiking shape for full-day hunts. Clients should be prepared to hike up to 5-miles a day in occasionally steep terrain with a 15-30 pound daypack. Comfortable boots and a good pack are mandatory. See our Gear List page for more specific recommendations for our different hunts. 

Our main camp is located on our primary lease and consist of multiple wall tents and an outhouse. Sleep amongst the bugling bulls and wake up able to walk right out of camp into some of our best areas. Other parts of the property, as well as many of our other leases, can be accessed with a short ride in a truck or side-by-side. Clients will sleep on provided cots and sleeping pads, but must bring their own sleeping bags. Primitive outdoor shower also available for a mid-week clean up. A large wood stove keeps the camp extremely comfortable, even in low temperatures. 

Breakfast will consist of a hot breakfast burrito or sandwich along with coffee and juice. Lunches will be packed the night before morning hunts and consist of deli sandwiches, chips, nuts, jerky, candy bars, and granola bars. Dinners include steak n potatoes, different hot-dishes, fresh rolls and salads. Cookies and different desserts will also always be in camp as well as different drinks including bottled water and Gatorades. Weekly menus can be customized with adequate time provided. Any food allergies or preferences should be communicated to North Country Outfitter at your time of booking. BYOB. 

Our elk hunts are hosted in some of Montana’s premier trophy units where we target bulls most typically ranging between 300-330” with the possibility of bulls scoring 350” or more. That said, any archery killed bull elk is a great accomplishment. If you, the client are happy with the bull, so are we! It’s your hunt and we will work diligently to provide you with the best opportunities at quality animals. 

Hunts are exclusively reserved when North Country Outfitter receives a 50% hunt cost deposit and a signed contract. Hunt cost balance due before the start of your hunt. Contact us today to lock in your 2024 hunt dates. Camps are filling up fast!

We encourage clients to shoot a straight and heavy arrow setup, with a durable and sharp fixed-blade broadhead. More important than your arrow setup is your ability to accurately shoot it. Elk are EXTREMELY tough animals, and impossible to kill with even mediocre shots. Almost half of archery shots on elk are not lethal. It is North Country policy that if you draw blood, that’s your elk. Period. Use this strict rule to motivate yourself to archery proficiency BEFORE your hunt.

More good arrow and broad information here :: https://westernhunter.net/gear-reviews/the-perfect-elk-hunting-arrow/

Non-hunting observers are welcome to join on your hunt for the rate of $1,000 a week. 

Ample flight options exist to both the Bozeman and Billings airport. A rental car will then be necessary to central Montana. Hunters will rendezvous with North Country personnel in the town of Judith Gap, Montana at 2pm the day before their first hunt date. For example, if your hunt starts September 7th, we will meet you at 2pm on September 6th. We encourage driving to Montana, if possible, to have the spacial benefit of bringing any extra gear with you as well as the ability to take all your elk meat and antlers home with you. 

Elk will be transported to one of several local butchers where your wild game will be fully processed into steaks and burger with the option for any additional specialty sausages and jerky. We recommend having your elk “rush” processed so you are able to take meat home with you in coolers at the end of your hunt, either as checked luggage or cargo in your vehicle. 

We work locally with multiple reputable taxidermist who can facilitate any of your request. Shoulder and European mounts are most commonly completed with later shipping via freight to your home state available. Trophies are also able to be taken with you to your own taxidermy shop if preferred.