Guided Montana Elk Hunting Info and FAQ’s

Royal Tine Outfitters – Out Hunting in Montana

Archery / Bow Hunters
Click here for the Archery Elk Hunters “What to Bring” list (.pdf).
Rifle Hunters
Click here for the Rifle Elk Hunters “What to Bring” list (.pdf).

Also please read our frequently asked questions below about our elk hunts.

Montana law does not require fluorescent orange for bowhunting, so full camouflage can be worn at all times. However, rifle hunters must wear 400 square inches of blaze orange. Quietness is one of the most important factors in bowhunting for Montana elk, so please dress accordingly.

Our weather can change very quickly. Try and prepare for most situations, and temperatures from 65 degrees F to 10 degrees F. We suggest dressing in layers (light to medium weight) so that you can maintain a constant body temperature. Shed layers if you heat up and add layers if you get cold.

Practice shooting under all conditions and angles, both standing up and from your knees. We have many shots missed because of leaning around trees and brush to shoot. Be proficient with you bow out to 50 yards. Be sure to shoot with all hunting clothes on. Make sure no articles of clothing are in the way, or the bow is being held different because of heavy clothes and thick sleeves.

Guided Hunt FAQ’s

What is the best caliber rifle to bring with on this hunt?

We prefer a 30-06, 7mm Mag. or a 300 Win Mag. There is no such thing as overkill and these larger calibers help minimize tracking. We always recommend having a muzzle brake on your weapon to minimize recoil.  Choose heavy bullets, at least 160 grain.

What is the average shot distance?

This is one of the most common and difficult questions to answer. Elk have good eyesight and use the open landscape to their advantage to avoid predators. We ask that you show up with an accurate rifle and are comfortable using it out to 400 yards. We kill a number of bulls inside of 250 yards but if you can shoot 350+ it will definitely increase your odds of success.

What types of Montana elk hunts do you offer?

Royal Tine Outfitters offer Montana guided rifle or archery elk hunts. We also offer back country archery drop camps for elk. Our guided elk hunts are 2:1 (hunters to guide).

What other types of services do you offer?

We offer guided mountain lion hunts, mountain lion photo safaris, summer pack trips, horseback trips, photography trips, and instructional trips for horse packing and Dutch oven camp cooking instruction.

How is your deer hunting?

We offer Montana elk hunts first and foremost. The deer hunting in our area is not good, therefore we do not currently offer deer/elk combination hunts.

Do you have a wounding policy on your Montana elk hunts?

Yes, we believe hunters should be proficient with their weapons and minimize the taking of bad shots both while rifle hunting and bow hunting for elk. For this reason, “any blood drawn” and that animal is considered taken whether the animal is recovered or not. Our experienced elk guides will give a 110% recovery effort in the finding of your game. If an animal is wounded, and not recovered, you may continue to hunt for THAT particular animal only.

Is there a local meat processor and taxidermist we can use on our Montana elk hunts?

In field care of your game will be taken care of by your professional experienced elk guides. After that, a local meat processor and taxidermist can handle your trophies. Royal Tine can ship meat and antlers to you after processing. If you drive, bring coolers and take it back with you.

What should I wear while hunting elk in Montana?

Dress in layers so that you can maintain constant body temperature. Most of our elk hunting trips are at elevations of 6000 feet and temperatures can be anywhere from 0 to 75 degrees. When rifle hunting for elk, hunters are required to wear 400 square inches of orange above the waist. Have warm comfortable boots with good traction and gloves and hats for sitting. Archery elk hunters should wear full camo, any pattern will work, also bring face paint or a head net and camo gloves. Clothing, day packs and rain gear need to be made of quiet material.

What can I do to prepare for my Montana elk hunt?

Get in shape and shoot, shoot, shoot. Physical fitness and being accurate with your weapon will both greatly increase your chances of harvesting an elk either with bow or rifle. Practice shooting in actual hunting situations, in different positions, with your hunting clothing on, etc.

Is there a shooting range?

There is an archery target at camp where hunters can practice and check their bows. We also have a 100 yard rifle range at camp where hunters are encouraged to shoot.

Is there cell service at elk camp?

You can get cell service in most of our elk hunting area.

Do you have airport pickups?

No, because the airport is a 200-mile round trip, we do not offer airport shuttles.  Hunters that fly in will need to rent a vehicle.

What is a legal elk to shoot?

For your Montana bow hunt, any elk is legal except for a “spike” bull. For your Montana rifle hunt, only a brow tined bull is legal, which is defined as a bull with a brow tine at least 4″ long on the bottom half of his main beam.

Is there alcohol allowed at your elk camp?

Yes, BYOB. Please drink in moderation and of course, no alcohol will be permitted while hunting.

What happens if I tag out early?

If you tag out early, we have some excellent fly fishing in the area. There is a local sapphire mine and old-fashioned candy store in town and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation national headquarters is located in nearby Missoula, MT.

Are you a licensed Montana elk hunting outfitter?

Yes, we are a licensed Montana elk hunting outfitter, verifiable from the Montana state Board of Outfitters (license #6035). We are licensed to offer guided hunts, semi-guided hunts, and drop camps, for both rifle hunters and archery hunters. We are also licensed to offer mountain lion hunts, summer pack trips, horseback trips and trail rides.

How much should I tip my elk hunting guides?

Gratuities are always appreciated for our hard-working crew. A good rule of thumb is 10-15% of hunt cost, but tip how you feel. Cooks are tipped separately and average $100 per hunter.

Royal Tine Outfitters – Montana Elk Hunting – Location

We are located just outside the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness in the Rocky Mountains near Philipsburg, Montana. Our camp sits a few miles from the North base of Warren Peak. The camp is on private ground that borders the National Forest. If you’re considering flying, close airports are Missoula, Bozeman and Butte.