|
 |
|
Since 1972 Diamond Hitch Outfitters have provided a limited number of hunters a classic wilderness hunting adventure in an outstanding area. We have experienced guides , comfortable camps, exceptional food and home raised horses and mules that are matched to our guest’s size and ability.
We typically run two archery hunts and three gun hunts. The archery hunts run from early September through the first week of October. The gun season begins the third weekend of October and ends the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
Where we Hunt:
We chose our southwestern Montana hunting area in the early 1970’s for the number of elk, the high percentage of trophy bulls, plenty of Whitetail and Mule Deer, Mountain Goat and Moose, the lack of hunting pressure, and the area’s suitability for horse and foot hunting. It was good back then, and it keeps getting better. This area of the Beaverhead National Forest is large and difficult to access without horses and is home to a large, local elk herd.
Rolling, timbered mountains and scattered meadows provide the habitat and the security necessary to produce the big bulls this area is known for. Our main camp is about an 8-mile pack in through prime elk country. It is far enough to get away from other hunters but not so far as to be an expedition in itself.
For late season or whenever the deep snow hits we move down to our winter range camp. This camp gives us great hunting from the winter range back up into the high security areas just above the winter-feeding grounds. Although we are hunting the same elk in about the same area, the lower elevation makes camp life easier for both hunters and livestock.
In addition to our pack in hunts we are have day hunts into the Blacktail Range south east of Dillon. This area has excellent deer and an extremely large elk herd that can be hunted without the camping. Day hunts can be added on to a pack-in hunt or booked on their own.
Having a variety of hunting opportunities assure our hunters great hunting regardless of the weather. Back To Top
|
|
How we hunt:
To bag a bull elk takes skill, work and some luck. Our experience and knowledge of the country will tip the odds in your favor . Some of our best hunting takes place on feeding areas within 30 minutes of our camps. The elk can’t resist the lush feed these open hillsides provide. With good feed, open timber and an extensive trail system our area is ideal for hunting with horses. Riding instead of walking is a tremendous advantage for our hunters. We can cover more country while conserving energy for the hunt. Horses are also less likely to spook the game and they see well in the dark, which enables us to be in the best spots at the best times.
When we hunt:
Our first gun hunt packs into camp the Saturday before opening Sunday. There is usually less snow and milder temperatures during the first week, which means the elk, are still scattered throughout the area. Depending on the weather and hunters’ preferences, we can hunt out of our winter range camp, our high camp, or our cabin camp, or day hunt the Blacktail Range near Dillon, using either horses or 4X4’s.
Chances for success:
We are usually asked, “what is your success rate”? Success rates can be misleading. We figure our success rate on the basis of how many of our hunters kill or miss on a good opportunity. Most of our hunters get their chance, not all connect, there are a lot of things that can go wrong.
Camp Life:
With large wall tents heated by wood stoves and furnished with foam -padded cots, our deluxe backcountry tent camps are surprisingly comfortable. We take pride in serving healthy and tasty homemade meals. Breakfast and dinner are eaten at camp with lunch usually eaten in the field.
Semi-guided hunts: (minimum of 4 hunters)
For the group of hunters capable of hunting on their own and in good physical condition, the semi-guided hunt provides an economical alternative to a fully guided hunt. This camp is booked for groups of up to 6 hunters. We furnish the camp, the horses, a guide/wrangler, the food and a cook. If your group prefers, you buy and cook the food and we’ll discount the price even more. With this hunt we ride out in the morning dropping hunters off on fresh tracks or taking them up on the high ridges above camp for a day ’s hunt back down to camp or to a pick-up trail.
Back To Top
Semi-guided hunts are booked on a space available basis.
|
|
Want the best chance at a trophy bull elk? An archery hunt with Diamond Hitch Outfitters will give you that chance.
Archery season takes place during the rut; the time of year when the mature, bugling bulls are most impressive and most vulnerable. This is when the big bulls that are rarely seen during the rest of the year, can be located and even called in by a hunter's bugle. The haunting sound of an elk bugling and the thrill of a close encounter with a big bull is the most exciting hunting most hunters will ever experience.
Early fall is a beautiful time of year to experience the Montana high country. The forest is alive with the sound of bugling elk, the weather is still mild and for a relaxing break, the trout fishing is superb.
Hunting elk during the bow season starts with locating bugling bulls. We may hear them from camp or after a short hike or horseback ride. After hunting the close in areas we spread out to cover the many miles of trails. If we don't hear them from the trail we check the hot spots where we know the bulls like to hang out. Riding horses allows us to cover more country, find more bulls and keep our hunters fresh for the hunt.
Once we locate the elk the excitement begins. We might have to set up quickly if he is hot, other times it is a game of cat and mouse, and we have to work to get close. Not every bull will come to a hunter's or even another elk's bugle. If the bull won't come to us, we stalk him. It takes skill, discipline, patience and some luck to get a good shot. Even if we don't connect, the thrill of a close encounter with a bull elk is the hunting experience of a lifetime. With these hunts, not connecting on one chance means looking forward to the next chance.
Back To Top
|
|
Finding capable guides is always a challenge for an outfitting business. Diamond Hitch Outfitters are committed to sending hunters out with experienced guides. We are fortunate to have top-notch guides that have the experience and the attitude to provide an enjoyable and successful hunt.
Chris McNeill :
A licensed outfitter, has guided and outfitted with Diamond Hitch Outfitters for over 25 years. His knowledge of the country and uncanny ability to find elk is a product of years and countless miles of following and studying the area’s elk. That experience led Chris to write The Guides Guide to Elk Hunting.
Troy Payne: (In Memoriam) 1942-2004
Troy first hunted with us in 1975 while an officer with the Washington D.C.
Police department. After several years of putting together groups and hunting
with us as a client, Troy moved west to guide with us. Troy grew up hunting in
the Smokies of North Carolina. He knew hunting, whether for bear, whitetail,
mulies, or elk: he was as good a hunter and guide as you'll find anywhere.
We lost Troy this year to a tragic accident in Alaska. He was helping our friend Dick Powers at the Whalers Cove Fishing Lodge, helping people enjoy the outdoors is what Troy loved to do, whether helping fisherman in Alaska or hunters in Montana Troy's personality and abilities were a treasure. Troy was a special friend, and those of us that were lucky enough to hunt with him will never forget his talents, character, and sincerity. We'll miss Troy, but his memory will continue to guide us as we enjoy the great outdoors.
Russ Sigman:
has guided for us since we started in the business. Born and raised in this area Russ has headed up the County Search and Rescue and Ski Patrol. He knows the area, the animals and has knack for getting his hunters into elk. Russ is a talented guide and an all-round colorful character.
Ryan Reichle:
grew up in Dillon with a love of the fishing and hunting this area offers. He has guided since he was old enough to get a license and has been with us since 2000. His guiding experience and dedication has been a valuable addition to our operation. Like all our guides, Ryan is dedicated to getting his clients their best chance at a trophy elk or trout.
Back To Top
|
|
 A 25% deposit will hold dates for your hunt. Other refunds will depend on whether we can rebook the trip. In any case deposits will be transferable to a future trip. Upon obtaining your license, a second 25% deposit will be due. The balance is due two weeks prior to the start of your trip. Back To Top |
|
 The State of Montana limits the number of out of state licenses to 17,000. Hunters that are booked with a licensed outfitter are guaranteed a license if they purchase the certified license for a premium. The remaining licenses are sold through a lottery. Because it has become so difficult to draw the lottery license, we encourage our non-resident hunters to purchase the outfitter certified license. The license application deadline has been March 15th. Contact us and we'll get you the applications and help you through the process. Back To Top
License applications and information are available Here
|
Rates* |
|
Length Of Trip |
Price |
| |
|
|
Regular Hunts |
7 Days w/ 2 Hunters per guide |
$2950 |
One on One Hunts |
7 Days w/ 2 Hunters per guide |
$3850 |
Semi - Guided Hunts |
6 Days, Groups of 6 |
$2250 |
| |
|
|
Archery Hunts |
Length Of Trip |
Price |
| |
|
|
Archery Safari |
10 Days, 1 hunter per guide |
$3950 |
Regular Archery |
10 Days, 2 on 1 hunt |
$3450 |
| |
8 Days, 2 on 1 hunt |
$2950 |
| |
7 Days, 2 on 1 hunt |
$2750 |
Semi - Guided |
7 Day, minimum of 4 hunters |
$2150 |
|
|
|
|
