Questions

All participants/hunters shall have a duty to act as a reasonably prudent person when engaging in the recreational activity conducted by the provider as set forth in Section 37-47-401, M.C.A. et. Seq. Participant shall not willfully or negligently engage in any type of conduct which contributes to or causes injury to any person. Stockton Outfitters operates under a “mortally wounded animals” practice which encourages hunters to take ethically responsible shots; follow up with the pursuit of wounded animals; and do everything in our collective power to recover said mortally wounded animal. Each Stockton Guide is provided the discretion to determine the extent of each individual situation. If a participant “mortally” wounds an animal, that is considered his trophy. Prior to embarking on any self-initiated aspect of the activity, participant must inform the outfitter, guide or professional guide of one’s intentions and must receive permission.

Future hunters should begin planning a minimum of 1.5 years in advance. The State of Montana has implemented a preference point system which allows hunters to acquire one point during July and August and another point upon application for the selected hunting year. The point system maxes out at two points assuring license draw success.

Remember, bear licenses are bought over the counter with no points system necessary.

The industry standard is a minimum 15% based on service provided. Obviously base your gratuity upon your satisfaction with your guide. It is customary to tip the Chef and support staff as well (min. $200.00 per client).

At Stockton Outfitters, LLC, our guides consider it their job to get the hunter within 150-300 yards with a rifle and within 40 yards with a bow. Of course from time to time the game may have another agenda, so know your capabilities and equipment and make sure your guide knows as well.

Scent is the primary defense of most North American game animals. We have seen everything from scent wafers to carbon sprays to hunters bathing in elk urine. The simple truth of the matter is that once a hunter begins to walk and sweat his smell cannot be masked. The gentlemen who bath in urine merely smell to the elk as a human who was urinated on. We have found the best way to control scent is to keep our nose to the wind.

Modern bow equipment is amazing in its capabilities; however, we never recommend a shot over forty yards at an elk, deer or bear. It is important to be accurate with your archery equipment from 10 yards up to 40 yards. It is important to practice like you will be hunting (sitting, kneeling, standing, up hill, down hill, etc.). Not every opportunity comes with text book hunter positioning so be accurate and capable to make any shot required under difficult positions.

It is not the firearm, but bullet placement which matters. Shoot what you are comfortable shooting, and most accurate with.  Some popular modern firearms including the 6.5 Creedmoor, etc. are considered to be too small for dangerous game and elk.  Minimum caliber requirement .270 win w/ 150 gr. Bullet. Personally we prefer a  .30 caliber slug. The bottom line is if the shot is placed properly, the animal will go down.

We hunt from 6,000 ft to just under 9,000 ft in elevation on any given day of the hunt. The increase in elevation from where you live will have a dramatic first day effect. Expect your wind to be short for a day or two, but around the middle of the week your lungs should begin adjusting to the thinner air.

Different hunters possess different strengths. Shoot the poundage that you are accustomed and practice. Some he-men join us drawing 80 lbs while we have women and youngsters drawing 40. It is not the poundage, but kinetic energy which makes the difference. When shooting less kinetic energy, let the broadhead work in the manner which it is designed.

We recommend a minimum 100 grain fixed broad head. Of course with new archery technology, kenetic energy is the driving factor when selecting a broad head. Visit your local archery equipment dealer and set up the arrow and broadhead which maximizes your kenetic energy for performance.

We recommend sighting your rifle in at 100 yards, but practice shots at 200, 300, etc. The better you know your rifle the better your chances will be when you arrive on your hunt.

Stockton Outfitters, LLC maintains a no refund policy. Any and all deposits are non refundable, but in the event of a timely cancellation (60 days) can be applied to future services if reserved within one year from the date of the reservation contract. Trip Insurance is available through many companies and is very inexpensive. In the event that you have concerns regarding having to cancel, you may wish to explore that option.

For more information on Traveler’s Insurance click this link: http://www.montanaoutfitters.org/travelersinsurance/

Hertz Rent A Car
Butte, Montana
(406) 782-1054

Stockton Outfitters, LLC maintains a booking office in Butte, Montana. Butte has a major archery outlet, Walmart, Kmart and a host of other sporting goods stores for shopping.

Delta Airlines has connections directly to Butte, Montana (BTM)

We recommend UPS delivery on dry ice. The meat processors in town cut, wrap, freeze and can arrange shipment of your meat to your home prior to your depart from camp.