Help needed for future elk hunt in Montana

[Mailman Bill]

I've always wanted to go to Montana and elk hunt. Myself and a couple of buddies want to go to Montana in 2006 to rifle hunt. Of course we all want a nice rack to bring back home to Missouri. What all do I have to do as a newby to the sport. We have all hunted whitetail here in Missouri but have no knowledge of elk hunting except what we have read and seen on TV. I'm sure we need a guide with a place to stay. Nothing fancy. If it matters our ages run from 40 to 58 (by then) Yeh, I'm the "58". Some walking is ok but not like I see on tv where they hunt bighorn sheep. A horse back / tent basecamp sounds alright. Price......we are all blue collar workers so cheap is ok but not so cheap that we won't have a good time. This is probably my dream hunt so I'll have to stretch my budget (or sell a couple of guns) Any contacts that you have used or know someone that has used would be appreciated. I'm sure the guide will have a list of what to do and what to bring with us. We already have the rifles for the hunt. Thanks for any help you can provide. Mailman Bill

 

[Mailman Bill]

Well, It's been 5 days now with no response. I guess there aren't any elk in Montana to hunt. So.........Let's try Arizona for some info......OK? Same questions.

 

[FTTPOW]

Mailman, Too bad you had to wait so long for a response. I'm no expert, and I've only hunted one area of Montana on 4 separate occasions, but I'm not sure there is any easy elk hunting. Since I'm only a visitor to the West, I can't give you any insight as to an area that wouldn't require wearing out good boot leather. I'm sure those areas exist, but I don't know where they are. It seems to me that those that do exist would either have few elk or too many hunters or on VERY expensive private land. I'm blue collar as well and hate to part with any more of my cash than I need to. When I hunt there, I'm fortunate to have friends there that put me up (or rather put up with me) drive their vehicles, ride their horses and hunt their hotspots. If this is your first time out there, and maybe the only time you foresee going, do yourself a favor and pony up the extra $, do your homework, and find a guide service that can provide the type of experience you desire.
As for Guides, you can try Montana Board of Outfitters or Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks for more info. Maybe someone on here can give better advice or references, if they've used anyone.
Let us know how it goes.