Elk & Deer Hunt

Charge Adventures MT License #36583

Species and Limits: Each hunter may harvest 1 Bull or Cow Elk (5-point minimum restriction for bull elk on private land), and 1 Either Sex Whitetail Deer OR 1 Antlered Mule Deer.

Location & Transportation: This hunt will take place near Checkerboard, MT on about 70k acres of both private and public land in and around the Helena-Lewis & Clark National Forest. Guests typically fly into Bozeman, MT the day before the hunt, rent a vehicle and arrive in camp by 3pm (about a 2 hour drive). From camp, we’ll provide transportation to and from the field for the duration of your stay.

Hunt Style & Terrain: This is a traditional spot & stalk style hunt. Horses may be used when necessary, however, we are able to easily access most of our hunting areas by vehicle and generally hoof it from there. The areas we hunt are not terribly difficult to navigate (in terms of typical elk country) but may range from 5k feet in elevation near the river bottom to about 7k feet in the timbered draws, foothills, and mountain parks. That said, any elk hunt can be a physically challenging experience in which you may be required to put on a lot of miles in steep or rocky terrain. Therefore, it is in your best interest to be in as good of physical condition as possible in order to increase your chance for success as well as ensure
an enjoyable hunt.

Success Ratio: Typically, 70% or better shooting opportunity on 240” to 320” bull elk. Mature whitetails and mule deer range throughout the area and are available on an incidental basis.

PRICE:
All hunt prices listed below are per person and based on 2 hunters x 1 guide. 1 hunter x 1 guide hunts are available for an additional cost of $1000 per person.
5 Day Archery Elk & Deer Combo: $6,500 per person
5 Day Rifle Elk & Deer Combo: $7,500 per person

Price includes meals, lodging, guide services, field preparation of game and transportation to/from designated hunting areas.

applicable taxes, transportation to camp, hunting licenses/tags, game processing, taxidermy fees, alcoholic beverages, gratuities and hotel or meal costs before or after scheduled hunt dates.

Note: A wounded animal shall be considered harvested and any continuation of the hunt will be at the sole discretion of the outfitter.

GRATUITIES:
Our team works hard to ensure your experience is as good as it can be from start to finish. Therefore, when the smoke clears (and provided it’s warranted), a tip for your cook and guide will be greatly appreciated. Of course, the amount is at your discretion, but a good rule of thumb is 10% to 20% of the hunt cost for your guide and 5% to 10% for your cook.

2026 DATES:

Archery Elk/Deer: (Season Dates: Sept 5 – Oct 18, 2026)
Sept 12-16, 2026 (arrive on 11th and depart on 17th)
Sept 19-23, 2026 (arrive on 18th and depart on 24th)
Sept 26-30, 2026 (arrive on 25th and depart on Oct 1st)
Oct 3-7, 2026 (arrive on 2nd and depart on 8th)

Rifle Elk/Deer: (Season Dates: Oct 24 – Nov 29, 2026)
Oct 24-28, 2026 (arrive on 23rd and depart on 29th)
Oct 31 – Nov 4, 2026 (arrive on Oct 30th and depart on Nov 5th)
Nov 7-11, 2026 (arrive on 6th and depart on 12th)
Nov 14-18, 2026 (arrive on 13th and depart on 19th)

2027 Dates: Tentative until MT releases 2027-28 hunting dates
Archery Elk/Deer: (Season Dates: Sept 4 – Oct 17, 2027)
Sept 11-15, 2027 (arrive on 10th and depart on 16th)
Sept 18-22, 2027 (arrive on 17th and depart on 23rd)
Sept 25-29, 2027 (arrive on 24th and depart on 30th)

MEALS & ACCOMMODATIONS:
This hunt is conducted out of a very comfortable and fully outfitted wall tent style camp that includes separate tents for dining and sleeping, as well as shower and toilet facilities. Home cooked meals will be served each evening with lunches in the field and breakfast before departing on each day’s hunt.

All you’ll need to bring is a sleeping bag and your personal gear (recommended packing list will be provided).

TYPICAL WEATHER CONDITIONS:
Temperatures can fluctuate drastically and range from teens to 80 degrees with the possibility of rain or snow. Therefore, preparing for various weather conditions is a must. We will provide you with a recommended gear list once you’ve booked your hunt.

LICENSING DETAILS:

● Non-Resident General Elk & Deer Combo Tags are only available via application and typically require 2.3 points to draw. Application deadline is April 1.

● Hunters booked with an outfitter in Montana will be able to purchase an extra preference point which greatly increases their chance of drawing a tag.
● We will be happy to assist you in securing points and acquiring your license/tag.

IMPORTANT NOTE: HUNTERS SAFETY CARD IS REQUIRED FOR ALL HUNTERS BORN ON OR AFTER JAN. 1, 1985.

PROCESSING:
Should you successfully harvest an animal, your guide will be responsible for field dressing, skinning and transporting your prize out of the backcountry and back to camp. Taxidermy and processing fees are the client’s responsibility.

GEAR LIST:
Gear List: All you’ll need to bring is a sleeping bag, your personal gear and toiletries. We will provide a recommended gear list once you have booked your hunt.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Fishing may be available in nearby rivers, lakes and ponds.

DEPOSITS:
A 50% non-refundable deposit must be paid to reserve your space. Final payments are due 60 days prior to hunt start date.

CAVEAT:
Information contained in this trip description is subject to change without notice. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Updated: October 22, 2025. All Rights Reserved