Mills Wilderness Adventures

Mills Wilderness Adventures operates elk hunts in the Flathead National Forest side of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex—Montana's largest wilderness area and one of the biggest in the United States. Their base camp sits in White River, just four miles from the Continental Divide.

These are early rifle season hunts, one of the few opportunities to hunt bull elk with a rifle in a true wilderness setting. The operation runs fully guided hunts only, with a 2 hunters to 1 guide ratio.

You start before daylight each morning and ride horses to your hunting area, reaching it near shooting light. Most of the day is spent on foot—the country is steep and rough, which is the standard here, not the exception. Guides work bulls by bugling and cow calling, and you'll spend your day doing what elk hunting actually is: hiking, glassing, setting up, waiting, repeating.

"This is a true wilderness adventure in one of the wildest areas to be visited."

The White River camp sits near iconic Montana peaks and features: Chinese Wall, Needle Falls, Flathead Alps, Big Salmon Lake, Gladiator Mountain, Haystack Mountain, and Turtle Head. The area also holds native cutthroat fishing if you're interested in a secondary pursuit.

• •Fully guided hunts (2:1 guide ratio)
• •Free airport pickup/return from Great Falls
• •Meals from first day lunch through final day lunch
• •Hotel coordination for nights before/after the trip
• •Your personal gear only needed

Contact for detailed hunting dates, rates, and gear lists. They'll send you a hunting gear list showing exactly what to pack.