Questions2022-08-26T11:43:36-07:00

Frequently Asked Questions

What are my personal responsibilities as it regards participation in services provided?2021-06-05T11:37:06-07:00

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.

When Should I Begin Planning My Hunt?2019-06-19T08:17:34-07:00

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.

What gratuity should I pay my guide?2021-12-01T13:43:46-07:00

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).

What is an average shot distance?2019-03-04T17:10:56-07:00

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.

What about scent blockers, elk urine, etc.?2019-03-04T17:10:18-07:00

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.

What yardage should I practice with my Bow?2019-03-04T17:09:08-07:00

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.

What equipment should I bring?2022-03-06T14:11:33-07:00

Street Socks
400 sq. in. blaze orange
Wool Socks
Down Vest
Wool or Fleece Pants—2 Pair
Cap
Wool or Fleece Shirts
Camera & Film

Long Underwear
Fire (lighter, matches)
Gloves
Knife
Mittens
Ammunition
Extra Boots

Sleeping bag (Archery Only)
Rifle or Bow
Air Mattress or pad (Archery Only)
Fanny or Back Pack
2 x Flashlights
Batteries
Compass or GPS
Binoculars
Range finder

Bow hunters . . . Bring an extra string, target arrows, and extra, tab or release, plus a copy of an old bow and arrow stamp.

Noise is a major factor with outer clothing. Wool or fleece is the best fabric that we have found to wear hunting. It’s as waterproof as anything that you’ll find and quiet. Do not wear Velcro or Gor-tex as the noise it makes is not natural. It puts all the game in the area on alert.

For the best gear recommended for your specific hunt check out our Outfitter Gear List: CLICK HERE

Should I walk or work out to ready myself for the hunt?2019-03-18T02:31:07-07:00

Our country is best hunted on foot and the better shape you walk into camp, the more enjoyable your experience will be. Elk hunting is one of the most physically demanding activities in the world, your odds for success drastically increase the more fit you are. Stockton Outfitters has attained the assistance of a professional athletic trainer, Adam Cotton, to put together this comprehensive weight training and aerobic pre-hunt work out:

Every one of these lifts should be done doing 2-3 sets of 10-15 reps. Each lift should be done with a smooth and controlled motion. This is not a work out to bulk you up. This is a workout to develop strength and endurance in the muscle groups that you will be using chasing big bull elk.

MONDAY
Bench Press (horizontal) – bar or dumbells
Triceps Extensions – dumbells or machine
Lat Pull Downs
Leg Extensions
Hamstring Curls
Bicep Curls
Abdominal Crunches

WEDNESDAY
Bench Press (horizontal) – bar or dumbbells
Tricep Extensions – machine or dumbells
Lat Pull Downs
Shoulder Shrugs
Squats

FRIDAY
Bench Press (horizontal) – bar or dumbells
Tricep Extensions – dumbells or machine
Lat Pull Downs
Leg Extensions
Hamstring Curls
Abdominal Crunches
Bicep Curls

Every one of these lifts should be done doing 2-3 sets of 10-15 reps. Each lift should be done with a smooth and controlled motion. This is not a work out to bulk you up. This is a workout to develop strength and endurance in the muscle groups that you will be using chasing big bull elk.

In addition to the workouts above, it is recommended to add in some cardiovascular training. This consists of walking, jogging, running, and or biking. These workouts should be done no less than 3 times per week, and should last 20-30 minutes. This could be the most important part of your preparation for the hunt.

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What size rifle is best?2021-06-05T11:30:40-07:00

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.

What effect will the elevation have on me?2019-03-04T16:33:16-07:00

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.

What about draw poundage for my bow?2019-03-04T16:32:40-07:00

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.

What grain broad head?2019-03-04T16:32:03-07:00

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.

What yardage should I sight my rifle in at?2019-03-04T16:30:58-07:00

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.

What happens if I need to cancel my trip?2020-03-20T13:28:18-07:00

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/

What about rental vehicles?2019-03-04T16:27:37-07:00

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

What if I forget something?2019-03-04T16:26:55-07:00

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.

Where do I stay if I need to come in early?2019-03-14T07:15:34-07:00

The Miner’s Hotel
53 W. Park Street
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 723-8928

Comfort Inn
2777 Harrison Ave
Butte, Montana 59701
(406)494-8850

Where do I fly into?2019-03-04T16:20:51-07:00

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

What extra expenses might I see?2022-04-29T11:14:03-07:00

Meat processing and taxidermy services are not included. We use the following qualified professionals:

Western Meat Block
800 Dewey
Butte, Montana 59701
(406)494-7514

Capp’s Taxidermy Studio, LLC
Mr. Don Capp
213 E. Park
Anaconda, MT 59711
(406) 560-4195
mtcougartracker@aol.com
http://african-montana-taxidermy.com

Terminal Food Center
100 W. Park
Butte, Montana 59701
(406)723-6548

How do I get my meat home?2019-06-19T08:16:13-07:00

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.

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