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A CLASSIC ELK HUNT
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Wolfpack Outfitters conducts 6-day "pack-in" style hunts
in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness area of Southwest Montana. Horses and
pack animals are used to make the 3-hour ride to our remote
wilderness camp and are used to travel to and from the different
hunting areas. Hunts are conducted on foot and take place within a 10-mile
radius of camp. This area has large herds of resident elk (native to
the area)
Limited accessibility and "brow-tine"
only antler restrictions have added to the success of our
hunts. Most bulls harvested by previous clients have 5-6 points on each
antler. Our hunts take place in the wilderness area of the Beaverhead
National Forest -only one hour from Yellowstone National Park. Motorized
vehicles are prohibited so this area doesn't have the access
(or the pressure) other public land hunts might.
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5x5 Bull Elk - Rifle - Oct. 2000
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Our hunts are geared towards your personal
satisfaction. Meals are home-cooked and prepared by the 'camp
cook'. Wall tents are heated and sleeping
cots with foam mattresses are provided for your comfort. Our guides
are avid hunters, local to the area, and knowledgeable about
the habits and techniques needed to hunt elk in our area. In addition, Jeff
makes a special effort to personally guide each client at least once or
twice during the 6-day hunt. For some of our clients, a guided
elk hunt is a once in a lifetime opportunity. For others, it is an experience
they enjoy annually. Either way - we will work hard for you!! |
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TYPES OF HUNTS AVAILABLE
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 Archery
Elk Hunts:
Montana has a 6-week archery season beginning the
first week of September. Weather is often cool in the mornings and evenings
with daytime temperatures ranging 40°-60° F. This is a prime time
for an archery hunt as the bull elk are starting the rut and
can be "called-in" to close range. The timbered
hillsides provide excellent cover for stalking and close approach.
Opportunities exist for a shot at a trophy bull, as many of the herd
and satellite bulls are Pope & Young class. This is a physically demanding
hunt, but having a 15-20 yard shot at a trophy bull
is a "rush" that is hard to beat. Many of our previous archery
clients will agree.
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Rifle Elk Hunts:
Rifle season begins the last week of October and runs thru the Sunday
after Thanksgiving. Snow often covers the ground at this time of the year.
Temperatures range from 50°F to below 0°F. Daytime temperatures
are normally 20°-30°F. Hunting methods include spot and
stalk, stand hunting and tracking. A high percentage of the
elk killed by our clients are taken in the time periods several hours
after daylight or before dark when the elk are most active and traveling
to and from the feeding meadows. We generally depart camp before daylight
and return after dark most days. Rifle shots are in the 100-300
yard range.
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Goat and Moose Hunts:
Goat and moose licenses are available on a draw-system only.
Starting in 2002, Montana will award preferences points for sheep, goat
and moose licenses which may increase your chance of drawing a license.
Our area has a sizeable population of goats and moose (but not sheep).
Our camp is located on the creek so moose often come right into camp.
Sphinx Mountain is in our hunting area and goats can be sighted while
elk hunting. If you get a tag, please contact us about a guided hunt.
Licensing deadline is May 1st.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
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Wilderness Camps:
Our camp is usually limited to 4 hunters per week.
It is located 10 miles (or 3 hours by horseback) into the wilderness.
Accommodations consist of canvas wall tents with wood stoves, kerosene
heaters and cots with foam mattresses. A camp cook prepares all
the meals. There are separate wall tents for cooking, guides, and
hunters and camp gear.
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Success:
Overall success varies from year to year according to factors such
as hunter ability and drive, weather and elk movement. Hunters who
work hard and put forth the effort have a good chance at getting
a shot at an elk. We will work hard to put the odds in your favor.
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Success
Rates
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Archery
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2000
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2001
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2002
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| Number of
Clients |
10
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6
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9
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| Number of Repeat Clients |
5
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0
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5
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| Kill Ratio |
30%
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17%
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33%
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| Actual Number |
3/10
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1/6
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3/9
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| Opportunities |
120%
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167%
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89%
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Rifle
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2000
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2001
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2002
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| Number of Clients |
15
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18
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13
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| Number of Repeat Clients |
4
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2
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3
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| Kill Ratio |
33%
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56%
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54%
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| Actual Number |
5/15
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10/18
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7/13
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| Opportunities |
73%
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88%
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70%
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Physical Condition:
We believe a hunter's physical condition is correlated
with hunting success. Hunters who can get out and
travel with our guides seem to always "see" and "kill
elk while those who cannot limit their chances at success. Our
hunts take place in rugged mountains varying 7000 -9500
feet in elevation. We recommend you prepare yourself.
Hunters who have difficulty negotiating the terrain must exercise
patience and be willing to spend time "posting" or "stand
hunting". Previous clients will attest "the better
your physical conditions the greater is your chance at bagging
an elk".
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References: Please contact us directly
for a listing of previous clients.
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About your Outfitter…
Wolfpack Outfitters Inc. is privately owned by Jeff Wingard.
He is originally from Pennsylvania and began guiding in Montana in 1984.
In 1987, he began guiding elk hunts near Ennis. Thus, he was very familiar
with the area's hunting potential when he bought his hunting operation
in 1992.
Jeff is an avid hunter with 21 years experience. Bowhunting,
calling elk and hunting spring turkeys are passions for him. He has been
fortunate enough to take many big game animals including 11 different
species of North American wildlife, including a Pope & Young mountain
lion and a Woodland Caribou. He also is quite possibly the only man to
ever go on an Alaskan moose hunt for his honeymoon!!
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Jeff Wingard - Archery - 52 inch Alaskan moose
Sept. 2000 |
