Hammer Em Outfitters

Hammer 'Em Outfitters has built its reputation on early-season elk archery hunts during Montana's peak rut. This is where they excel. The season runs September 6 through October 19, and spots fill fast because of their track record.

What makes it work: You'll hunt the Galt Ranch, a 60,000-acre private cattle ranch in Central Montana behind locked gates (but not high-fenced). The ranch sits in the Big Belt Mountains near Lingshire and carries strong native Rocky Mountain elk genetics with low hunting pressure. Your guide will use bugling and cow-calling techniques to locate bulls and bring them within 20-40 yard range.

The experience is physical and technical. You'll glass green timber, blowdowns, creek bottoms, and elk wallows from Polaris Ranger side-by-sides. The guides know this herd's patterns—they can often predict how elk will react before they do. Archery hunts are 1-on-1 with a professional guide.

• •Five-day archery package: $9,500 per hunter (2025 season)
• •50% deposit to book, balance due by July 1
• •Includes ground transportation from Great Falls Airport
• •Montana archery license ($934-$1,008 depending on combo) purchased separately through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
• •Non-hunters/film crew: $1,000 per person

Rifle season runs October 25 through November 30. This is spot-and-stalk hunting for resident elk that don't migrate out of the area. Average success rate: 90% of hunters get an opportunity, 60% make the kill.

Hunters are paired 1-on-2 with guides. Average shots run 150-400 yards, so bring a .270 or larger rifle sighted in at 200 yards. The outfitter is flexible on caliber recommendations—call or email if you want guidance on what to bring.

Bulls harvested typically score 250-320 inches Boone & Crockett, mostly 5x5 and 6x6. The area's genetics are strong—they've taken bulls in the 350+ class. No trophy fees charged.

• •Five-day rifle package: $8,500 per hunter (2025 season)
• •50% deposit to book, balance due by July 1
• •Includes ground transportation from Great Falls Airport
• •Montana elk license ($934 or $1,008 combo) purchased separately through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
• •Non-hunters/film crew: $1,000 per person

Weather matters more than which week you hunt. Temperatures swing from 65°F to 10°F. Your success depends on weather, fitness, and shooting ability—not the calendar.

Hammer 'Em offers limited mountain lion hunts December 1 through mid-April. Nick Hammer hunts mountain lions year-round and brings serious experience.

Montana doesn't require a drawing for the area they hunt, so licenses are over-the-counter. A non-resident lion license costs $345 and must be purchased at least five days before your hunt.

The terrain is rugged limestone canyon country in the Little Belt Mountains. Hunts use 4x4 and Polaris Ranger vehicles to search for fresh lion tracks in snow. When conditions align, success rates are solid. The outfit uses well-trained hound packs—that's what separates them from other area outfitters. Once a track is located, the hounds do the work.

Hunts are physically demanding and 1-on-1 with a guide. No guarantees, as with any predator hunting.

• •Five-day mountain lion package: $5,500 per hunter (Dec-April)
• •50% deposit to book, balance due by July 1
• •Includes ground transportation from Great Falls Airport
• •Montana mountain lion license ($320) purchased separately
• •Non-hunters/film crew: $1,000 per person

All hunts operate from Walker Camp, the hunting lodge on Rock Creek in the Little Belt Mountains. The lodge is well-equipped and serves as your base for accessing the 60,000-acre Galt Ranch.

Bonus opportunity: Rock Creek is a world-class blue-ribbon trout stream (fly-fishing only, catch-and-release). The outfitter has secured limited access for hunting guests—worth planning a post-hunt day if you're interested.

All hunters must sign a Hunter/Guest Agreement and Reservation Form and submit a 50% deposit by March 1st to reserve dates. Balance is due by July 1.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks licenses are purchased directly by hunters. The outfitter provides links and guidance but doesn't handle license applications.

The outfitter provides a detailed gear list because Central Montana weather changes fast. Layering is essential—base layer, mid-layer, outer layer. Temperatures can swing from mild to snow and cold within hours.

Required archery additions: 80% let-off bow with sling, 12+ arrows minimum, fixed-blade broadheads only (no expandables), release, spare release.

Required rifle additions: Scope-mounted rifle (.270 or larger, sighted at 200 yards), ammunition for elk, bipod or shooting sticks optional, fluorescent orange vest (400+ square inches above waist per Montana law).

All hunts include quiet, waterproof layered clothing recommendations, comfortable boots, headlamp, binoculars, and weather-appropriate outerwear.

Nick Hammer: (406) 570-1359 Bob Hammer: (406) 566-2939

Inquire about limited antelope and bear hunts as well.