These are among the most rugged Montana elk hunts, and we often describe them as “extreme” hunts. Our hunts are guided in the Bob Marshall Wilderness and Swan Valley areas of Montana off of horseback. Our guides and horses have been preparing and getting shape all summer long on backcountry pack trips; elk season is what they’ve been waiting for! We offer combination hunts in which you can target mule deer, whitetail, and bear as well. Some of our hunters have snagged a wolf tag too! Many of our elk hunters bring both their rifle and bow. Multi weapon hunts are popular with elk hunters that like to maximize their opportunity. We like to get deep into the back country and utilize spike camps. This can get us in closer proximity to the elk for opening day. This spike camp strategy has produced many harvested elk in seasons past, but does lack the comforts of traditional hunting camps. Our elk herds are in better shape today than they have been in thirty years! Our hunting areas also support ample populations of whitetail and mule deer and color phase black bear, increasing the chances of success across species. This terrain is more challenging to hunt elk in, no doubt, no flat land here. We utilize our horses to search the front range of the Bob Marshall for elk. With exclusive access in the areas where we hunt, Swan Mountain Outfitters is able to offer archery elk hunters perhaps one of the most unique and best opportunities to bag an elk of a lifetime with a bow. As the season progresses, migration of elk begins and affords our late season elk hunters an opportunity to bag an elk at lower altitudes.