Elk Hunting - Seven J Outfitters

Seven J Outfitters guides elk hunts across three distinct regions, each with its own terrain, elk populations, and licensing requirements. All hunts are seven days total—five full days of hunting, plus a travel day in and out.

A classic backcountry experience. Horses and mules pack you 2-6 hours from the trailhead to remote camps. This area holds strong resident herds plus a migratory population in late fall. You're hunting mature 5- and 6-point bulls averaging 260-280 pounds. Rifle success has averaged around 90% harvest for years. Archery hunters see 50% harvest with 75% shooting opportunity.

• •Dates: Archery September 1-30; Rifle September 20-October 31

Based at Smith Lodge on leased private ranches. Access is easier here—pickups and side-by-sides get you close, though walking is still required. Same bull quality (260-280 average), but historically lower pressure. Rifle success runs around 65%, archery at 50%.

• •Dates: Archery September 8-12, 15-19, 22-26; Rifle October 15-19, 22-26, plus late-season available

The premium hunt. This national forest area holds tremendous elk numbers and requires 13+ preference points to draw. Wall-tent camps are vehicle-accessible, but hunting happens on horseback, mules, and foot. Rifle hunters average 320 B&C bulls with larger taken. Success rates exceed 75%, often reaching 100% opportunity. Archery sees 50% harvest with 80% opportunity.

• •Dates: Archery September 1-5, 9-13, 17-21, 25-29; Rifle October 15-19, 22-26, October 29-November 2

2025: 28 archery hunters, 8 bulls harvested (64% shooting); 64 rifle hunters, 40 bulls harvested (75%+ opportunity)

2024: 26 archery hunters, 11 bulls (73% opportunity); 59 rifle hunters, 35 bulls (83% opportunity)

2023: 22 archery hunters, 14 bulls; 58 rifle hunters, 30 bulls

Results consistently demonstrate what they're delivering on the ground.

All elk hunts include lodging and meals. Seven J also handles the administrative lift—they assist clients with purchasing preference points yearly and navigating license applications, which saves you time and confusion.

Standard 2-x-1 ratio (two hunters per guide). 1-x-1 hunts available for an additional fee.

3-day cow elk hunts on both private and national forest leases with high success rates.