BigGameHunt.net Hunting Forums

[Archdog68]

My name is Archie Nichols, and I am from Florence, Mississippi. I have always dreamed of having the opportunity of coming out west to pursue a trophy mule deer (With Rifle). A couple of days ago, my wife told me that she wanted to give me this opportunity for my 40th birthday next year. Now the hard part of finding the right outfitter begins. I know that having a guide is the way that I want to go. This could very well be a once in a lifetime opportunity for me, and I want to be sure I make the right decision. One thing that the hunt has to be is absolutely 100% fair chase, no high fences or shooting out of a truck. Anything else is not hunting to me. Although I am in good shape, I would prefer to stay in a lodge or ranch house and hunt by spot and stalk. The thing that worries me the most is winding up with the wrong outfitter and not having the opportunity at a good buck. I am not expecting to break a world record, but I would like the opportunity to harvest a trophy animal 4x4 or 5x5 and 150-170+. I am looking for a place with good guides who will do anything in their power to make a hunt successful and enjoyable, good food, nice accomidations, and a guaranteed draw on a license. I would like to hunt in a state like Montana or another one with guaranteed licenses. I am looking in the price range of $4000 or under total cost including license. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

One outfitter I am looking pretty hard at is Montana Whitetails, Inc. Any info on them?

Thanks,

Archie

[7 Mag]

Archie,

I've hunted with several outfitters just not the one you're looking at. I've been to Montana 3 times the last being this past Nov. when i harvested a 5x7 mulie my first morning. Never had him scored but he's respectable. If i knew how to post pictures i'd do it or you can email me & i'll send it to you. I've hunted Wy. but i prefer to hunt Montana. Are you going by yourself & wanting a 1x1 hunt? Most outfitters guide 2x1 with the 1x1 hunts costing a bit more. You mentioned you didn't want to hunt from a truck, the thing is the truck can cover more ground than you can on foot. Mostly you're glassing, spotting the buck you want & put on a stalk, sometimes the stalk can take all day. 200,000 acres is a lot of ground to cover. I agree driving up to within 100 yards isn't much of a hunt but like you said fair chase is the only way i'll hunt. You never know where the deer are gonna be & in eastern Montana it's pretty open country & you can see a long way.

I hunted with hidden valley outfitters last year, they did a good job for me.

A couple of others to consider:

www.jjguide.com
www.powder-river-outfitters.com
www.cottonwoodmt.com

My email address if you need anything else. mccoiges@hotmail.com

[Archdog68]

Thanks for all the info guys. I have decided to book with Eric Albus at Milk River Outfitters. I will let you know how it goes, and will hopefully have pics to post.

Archie

[7 Mag]

I've hunted the milk river a couple of times. It's an awesome place to whitetail hunt. Goodluck to you!

[Hiker]

7 Mag wrote: I've hunted the milk river a couple of times. It's an awesome place to whitetail hunt. Goodluck to you!

Gerry, how did you do on those hunts?

Did you get your Colorado & Wyoming points this year?

[7 Mag]

Jeff,
I didn't fill my tag the first time, i seen a bruiser the first day & hunted him all week. Passed up several nice bucks & came home empty handed. My 2nd trip i tagged a good 8-pointer my 3rd morning.


Yes got my Colorado PP's & i'm applying this weekend for Wy. elk & deer.