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February 2024 by Peter Wheaton
Great hunting trip! Beautiful mountain countryside everywhere! Lodge is amazing. Food was great and plenty of it. My guide Randy was terrific and a great match for me! This was my first trip with any Outfitter/Guide for hunting. First time hunting in the west for elk and deer. Very thankful for my guides hard work all week that allowed me to be successful! Shot my first Elk and Mule deer! Could not be happier! Got the full on western Montana big game hunting experience. My previous hunting experience is all Northern Maine whitetails, big woods hunting, tracking.Boss and Tami are great people and owners. They take great care to talk with everyone upon arrival and do there best to match your hunting style and abilities with the appropriate guide! They check in regularly with everyone and are at the lodge every day! They are very approachable to help you with anything! Great Host!Take their advice, get in shape and buy the boots! It is very challenging terrain. I did and it paid off for me. Boots were awesome, warm, plenty of grip, no blisters, no issues at all! A lot of the guides wear them everyday. The weather was literally everything, from rain to fog to snow to sun.Hunted as hard(or harder) on day 5 and 6 as we did on day 1! Shot my mule deer day 4, my 5x5 elk day 6.Many thanks to the guides who came in to help pack my elk off the mountain to a trailhead. Many thanks to Boss and Tami for having livestock at the trailhead to finish the pack out to the trucks! Epic adventure!Thanks again to my guide Randy for his hard work, knowledge and teaching me the ropes for a week! I learned a lot and had a blast!My hunt was almost exclusively National Forest public land. So full on fair chase.This was a bucket list hunt for me. I would do this every year if I could! Highly recommend Elk Creek Outfitting.
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January 2024 by Jason M
So happy to share that I had a great hunt! I am a return hunter due to the friendly staff, great accommodations and returning home with a full freezer after talking both trophy elk and deer over multiple hunts.Rob our guide tirelessly worked throughout the hunt and on day 4 , I took a trophy bull!It’s big country and if you are in shape your chances go up but even still, they have tons of stands and blinds that guys were taking trophies out of.Great hospitality. Great guides who know the country inside and out. Great food and plenty of it. You won’t go hungry at all. Great cabins with showers and boot dryers etc... Would hunt again no doubt.
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December 2023 by Taylor Abulaban
I am so pleased to write a 5-star review for this world-class guided hunting business! The whole team is incredibly warm and welcoming. The owners go above and beyond to ensure your trip is a pleasant one. The main lodge is a beautiful and classic log cabin that is packed with massively impressive trophies and stories. WiFi, TV, and a pool table in the spacious and cozy lodge for you to wind down and recoup. They have vast knowledge and access to an immense amount of both public and private land to hunt. You have the option to hunt elk on the ground ("running and gunning") or from a tree-stand, and can alternate throughout your trip as you wish. They feed you very well! Big, hearty breakfasts and dinners every day, along with lunch to take with you on the hunt (you'll need the calories, especially if you're running and gunning).My brother and I had only done whitetail tree-stand hunting in the past, and had never laid eyes on an elk until this trip. We are strictly archery hunters and this trip was an archery elk/deer combo hunt, with a heavy focus on bull elk. My brother did not see much throughout the week, but I saw quite a lot. The first two days we did tree-stand hunting (even though we were excited to go running and gunning) because we were expecting the best weather to kick in on day 3 and we didn't want to blow out our guide's spots prior to the best hunting days. This was our guide's suggestion and we couldn't have agreed more.This ended up being a perfect plan. I saw 10 elk, 2 whitetail, and a black bear on the first day, while my brother only saw a black bear. Second day, neither of us saw anything (very windy). Day 3, 9/18/23, and it was time to go "running and gunning" for our first time ever!! That evening, I planted a broadhead in the heart of a gorgeous 6 x 5 brow-tine freak that our guide, Caveman, called in to just 20 yards!! My brother was right next to me and it was a dream come true. I am one of the few people that get so lucky on their first elk hunting trip. My brother continued to run and gun with Caveman for a bull elk for the remainder of the trip, while I moved on to whitetail tree-stand hunting. I saw plenty of whitetail, including a couple nice 10-points that I'd have been happy to take, but they were too far out.My bull was the only harvest of the trip, but this is archery elk hunting in the Montana backcountry... If you're looking for a guarantee, this is not the sport for you. If you understand how hard archery elk hunting is, then know that you will not find better guided elk hunting services anywhere else. Thank you to Elk Creek Outfitting and our legendary guide, Caveman, for the experience of a lifetime!!!
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November 2023 by Melanie Johnson
Absolutely amazing two weeks of hunting Elk/Deer Combo and Bears with Elk Creek Outfitters in the fall of 2023. Because of the situation, I was able to go both during archery and rifle season (unplanned originally), with a chance at elk and deer both times. My veteran guide, Matt, was awesome and was the main reason for going back for rifle season and booking again for 2024 archery season. I had several hunting options depending on what I could do physically and what I was comfortable doing. I was hunting by myself and there were other females (hunter and non-hunters) in camp both weeks I was there; no concerns about being a female in the “boys club”. Everyone in camp and at the lodge were very respectful and helpful. The food was amazing. The cabins were suitable. And it is absolute beautiful country. Communication with your guide is key, let them know how you want to hunt, and they can make it happen. It is still hunting (hence the reason I am going back) with no guarantees, but I had a couple of the best weeks hunting/vacation I could ask for. As always you need to be prepared just in case, for example in case your guide’s pickup breakdown, shxt happens. ? I also would suggest confirming what price was settled on before arriving, again communication with Boss and Tami very important. At the lodge there is a large single station archery practice range and two rifle ranges to guarantee your equipment is ready. I have recommended my family and friends to Elk Creek for upcoming seasons and would recommend anyone else that is looking for a guided hunt. It truly was one of the best hunting experiences and something I hope to continue in years to come.Melanie - South Dakota
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October 2023 by Michael
Absolutely amazing experience with Ethan and Wyatt. I have to say I could not have been matched up with better guides. I will book again but only if I get Ethan and Wyatt. There style of hunting, education and dedication to help you achieve your goals is unmatched. There cabin is beautiful and perfect setting, they take you out do everything possible to ensure a successful hunt. I couldn’t have asked for more. Bear, elk and deer opportunities throughout the week I was there with them. We seen plenty of animals and had some tough hunts but I would change anything. I will be back for a bison hunt and probably others when the budget supports my wants. Counting the days to my next hunt. If you are questioning if you should I would say yes, but make sure your guides match your hunting style. Wyatt is a hit the ground and hike and get your animal, it’s up to you to keep up. But they can also throw you in a tree stand if you want. Regardless they are the guides you want. Thank you
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October 2023 by Robert Fox
I am a bit late to the game with this review as I historically read reviews, but don't post them. A friend and I archery hunted with Elk Creek in late September / early October on an elk/deer combo hunt in 2017. I had hunted elk previously DIY, but this my first guided hunt so I wasn't sure what to expect with the whole experience. Overall, the experience for both of us was great....both with success and without!We were picked up in Missoula and transported to the lodge the morning prior to our hunt. When we arrived, we were shown our cabins and the archery range where we could test our equipment after travel. That evening we had a great dinner, finalized the paperwork for our hunts, and were introduced to our guides for the week. There had been several cancelations for the week so Brent (Boss) assigned guides on a 1x1 basis which was an unexpected surprise (it also made the cabins a little more spacious with just two of us). Nate was the guide that I was provided and I felt like we hit it off immediately. He was very keen to learn my goals for the hunt and the style of hunting I preferred so he could ensure he met my expectations for the week. My goals were simple, kill a legal bull....period!During the week we hunted about every way possible. The areas Nate and I hunted were steep and dense so seeing long distances weren't common. We were on elk each day, but it seemed a swirling wind or a lone cow away from the heard would prevent us from getting in position for a shot opportunity. On the fourth day I sat in a stand Nate had set up on a wallow. Nate had seen several good bulls in the area and felt it would be a good chance for a shot and my aching legs/feet did not argue. Nate was right and luck was on my side....I arrowed a solid 7x7 late in the afternoon that followed a group of cows into the wallow/water hole.I know that not every hunter/guide combo were hearing or seeing elk every day. We even had a group pack up and leave without telling their guide (which I felt was a bit inappropriate) because they weren't hearing/seeing elk like they expected so they left to hunt with friends in another area. I do know that every guide was working as hard as they could to figure out what to do to give their hunters the best chance at success. Nate and I were typically the last ones in for dinner each night so I ate at the table with most of the guides. The conversations at dinner and each morning before breakfast amongst the guides was always about strategies for the day/week ahead. I felt all of the guides were extremely knowledgeable and capable, but could tell the more seasoned guides for the area were doing everything they could to help. I was impressed with the effort everyone was putting in for the overall success of the group! I would not hesitate to recommend Elk Creek, but would advise to have realistic expectations as it is elk hunting. I know that my friend, who was not successful, also was extremely happy with the hunt as we agreed to come back together on the day we left camp. Unfortunately, life has gotten in the way and prevented that to date but we are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel.The two biggest learnings for me on this hunt were: 1- be in the best shape possible for your hunt, but understand you are still going to get your butt kicked by the mountains. I honestly felt Nate was part goat as he scaled the mountains with ease while I was nearly on all fours (he went at my pace and didn't pressure me to do more, I pushed myself!). And as Caveman (guide in camp) stated, nothing prepares your for those mountains except those mountains (minus a few words). 2 - spend the money on high quality boots. Brent advised both my friend and I to do this when booking. My friend took the advice and I thought I had "good enough". As a result, my friend was fine other than being physically tired and I could barely walk due to foot and knee pain.
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October 2023 by Pedro Colunga
I’ve been coming to Elk Creek Outfitting for 4 years now and I have to say that I can’t see myself going anywhere else. My hunting guides Ethan and his son Wyatt, are top 5 in all of Sanders county if not all of west Montana. I’ve learned so much from Ethan over the years and they have treated me like family. Every year I become a better hunter and find myself counting the days until I can come back to this beautiful state. The accommodations are so much better than what other outfitters have to offer for the price and the mountains and terrain are tough but very well worth the physical exertion. I have nothing but exceedingly positive things to say about my stay at Elk Creek Outfitting with Ethan and Wyatt and his wife’s amazing cooking and hospitality. I will be doing my predator hunting with him next year as well. 364 more days to go….
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January 2023 by Erik Jeansson
Over promised and under delivered Elk hunting!The good first:Very friendly staff, a great property with excellent sleeping quarters, community areas surrounded by gorgeous nature. Like many others have said, the home cooked meals are wonderful too.You will experience the beauty of Montana with some truly amazing scenery.Now the bad:What they tell you beforehand does not align with what is delivered. We were repeatedly told things like "Our success rate is 85%" and "We will get you shooting opportunities but it's up to you to shoot"(If claims like these are made, make sure you get them in writing!)What they don't tell you is that you will be hunting the most densely forested part of Montana, that you should be proficient at shooting at least 500y and be physically fit unless you want to sit in a stand all week.It was heartbreaking to talk to several of the other hunters who were there for a once in a lifetime hunt and had been oversold just like us. 12 of 14 hunters never even saw an Elk.I've been on several other Elk hunts and have never experienced anything like this before.Summary:Our hunt was a 6 day early November rifle Elk hunt.We had a good time but we're very disappointed.The guides are great but are put in a very tough spot due to unrealistic expectations set.I personally like a tough challenge and putting my body through a test so I would consider coming back but this is NOT the Elk hunt most average hunters expect/want.
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January 2023 by David Hillyer
After talking with Erin at Tru Flight Adventures trying to find an elk hunt, he helped us book the hunt of a lifetime. Elk Creek Outfitting is second to none in the outfitting world. Our Guides Ethan & Wyatt worked their tails off the whole time for us to be successful.Myself and my dad both harvested great mule deer bucks and dad got a 6x6 toad of a bull elk. After we had harvested our animals, the real work began, but before we did anything, our guides turned into professional photographers so we would have something to always remember the moment by. Ethan & Wyatt are complete animals when it comes to packing out anything and everything. It took them no time at all to get the animals field dressed, caped, and quartered out.Ethan & Wyatt, along with Ethan's wife, Christina and Wyatt's girlfriend Brianna, welcomed us into their home like we were family. Christina & Brianna prepared us great home cooked meals the entire time, and we enjoyed their company around the dining room table.We could not have asked for a better experience. We have already booked a spring bear hunt at Elk Creek, with Ethan & Wyatt as our guides. If you are looking for a hunt of a lifetime where the guides will work as hard as they possibly can to put you on animals and where they treat you like family look no further, Ethan & Wyatt are your guys. We will be lifetime customers of Elk Creek Outfitting & Tru Flight Adventures, but even more we have found lifelong friends with Erin, Ethan & Wyatt.Dave & Jeremy HillyerIllinois
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November 2022 by Charles Matthews
From the moment you walk through the door you feel like you have are home. Everyone is is so friendly and welcoming. The lodge is like something you would see in one of those high end hunting shows without the feeling like you don't belong.The check in process was simple and quick with just a quick verification of your tags and license followed by a Q an A session to make sure everything is as discussed and whatever concerns you might have are addressed.You are then given the opportunity to check your weapons to make sure your sights are good by test firing on the range in the back field. Afterwards you are paired up with your guide and your camp location.I was fortunate to be paired up Derrick. The man is a mountain man to the tee with the ability to help you feel comfortable in any setting. He discussed our options and objectives setting plans on what we want to accomplish and how best to prepare for the upcoming hunt. He made sure that I had checked all my gear to make sure I had everything before we left for camp.The drive was easy and uneventful with nice conversation with some of the other hunters.Upon arrival we met the camp chef and overall manager Ryan. I never thought food could be so good in a camp like environment. Fresh meals cooked morning and evening with lunches made available.I could keep going on about how amazing the entire experience was but to sum things up it was a first rate experience from start to finish and I can't wait to come back next year for another opportunity to live out my dreams of being an outdoors person and hunter.Thank you for everything and have a great day.Charles
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November 2022 by Ronald Crawford
What can I say, except this was the best hunting trip I have ever been on. I took my three sons with me and what memories we made along with some new friendships. Elk Creek is awesome and the guides that we had went above and beyond to make our hunt as awesome as possible. I have been telling my friends about our experience and if I plan another trip, Elk Creek will definitely be getting a call from me.
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November 2022 by thomas morrison
One of the greatest experiences of my life my father and I went there for a elk hunting trip along with whitetail. We really enjoyed the hospitality and staff our guide Matt was a very knowledgeable and funny guide and Ryan the cook was outstanding I will say I gained weight haha well worth it. I will say I'll be back there again for the beautiful views the great people of elk creek again thank you guys.
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November 2022 by Nathan Johnson
First and foremost this place definitely went the distance to make sure you were happy. They were all very nice and easy going. The food, wow the food was absolutely delicious!!! There is no way you are going to bed with out a good meal... The guides were very knowledgeable, knew the land very well. My guide was Morgan and he definitely taught us a lot about the land and the animals around there. I will definitely recommend to have him again. So overall if you want a good time and memories to take home I truly recommend this family.
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September 2022 by Elizabeth Loomis
We had a phenomenal day of fishing with Austin. More Walleye and Small Mouth Bass than we could count and a MONSTER Northern Pike. Thanks to Elk Creek Outfitting for pairing us with a guide who could work to our different experience levels. We will definitely be back next season. Thank you!
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September 2022 by Eric Miller
Fantastic experience at Elk Creek and our guide Brandon was top notch and found the elk. Highly recommended. Will be back again!
