Since 1972 Diamond
Hitch Outfitters have helped archery and gun hunters overcome the challenge of hunting elk and deer in Southwestern
Montana.
Our hunting area was chosen over twenty-five years ago for the number of elk, the high percentage of trophy buck,
the lack of hunting pressure, and the area's suitability for horse and foot hunting. As good as it was then, it
keeps getting better.
For 1999 we will have two archery hunts and three gun hunts. The archery hunts will run from mid September through
the first week of October. The gun season begins the third Sunday of October and runs through Thanksgiving weekend.
Where we Hunt:
Hunts take place
on a large, difficult to access area of the Beaverhead National Forest. The area is home to a large, local elk
herd. That means these elk are here regardless of the weather. Rolling, timbered mountains and scattered meadows
provide ideal habitat and the security needed to produce the big bulls this area is known for. Our main camp is
about an 8 mile pack in, and it is far enough back in to get away from other hunters, but not so far to be a major
expedition.
Late season, or whenever the deep snow hits, we move down to our lower camp. This camp is in the middle of the
elk winter range and is less than an hour's ride from the trailhead. This location gives us great hunting as the
elk move lower with the on-set of winter. Having the high and low camps assures our hunters great hunting regardless
of the weather.
How we Hunt:
To bag a bull
Elk takes skill, work and some luck. Our experience and knowledge of the country, the habits and the hangouts of
the elk, tip the odds in your favor.
Many of the elk we take come from feeding areas within 30 minutes of our camps. Elk can't resist the lush grass
on these southwest facing hillsides. To hunt these areas we ride over before daylight, tie-up the horses and spread
out to cover the feeding areas and exit routes. This set up gives our hunters, even those that are less mobile,
an excellent chance to get their elk.
For the hunter that wants the challenge and excitement of stalking and tracking, our usual early snow cover lets
us track elk between feeding and bedding areas. Once into the elk area, we move slowly and stay alert for any hint
of moving or bedded elk.
With good feed and an extensive trail system our area is ideal for hunting with horses. Riding enables our hunters
to cover more country while conserving energy for the hunt. On horseback we are less likely to spook the elk and
we can travel before daylight and after dark, putting us in the best spots at the best times.
Camp Life:
Our back country
tent camps are surprisingly comfortable. Large wall tents are heated by wood stoves and hunters sleep on padded
cots. The camp kitchen serves up hearty, healthy, and tasty homemade meals.
Semi-guided Hunts:
For the hunter
that is capable of hunting Elk on his own and is in reasonable condition, the semi-guided hunt is an economical
alternative to a fully guided hunt. This camp is booked for groups of 4 to 6 hunters. We furnish the camp, the
food, a cook, the horses and a guide/ wrangler to shuttle and guide you to the best areas. Your camp will be completely
and comfortably furnished. We buy and cook the food, take care of the camp chores, saddle and shuttle horses and
pack out your kill. If your group prefers, buy your own food and do you own cooking, and we'll reduce the price
even more.
 Archery Hunts:
Guided archery hunts are the best way to get close
to the big bulls. They take place in September and October when the weather is nicer and the bulls are bugling.
We'll bet it is the most exciting hunt you'll ever experience. Contact us for more archery information.
Day Hunts for Elk and Deer:
Though most of
our hunts are pack-in hunts into the Beaverhead National Forest, we also have an excellent day hunting area for
elk and deer on BLM land near Dillon. With these hunts our hunters stay in a Dillon Motel and ride via horseback
or 4X4 up into the Blacktail Range.
Chances for Success:
Probably the most
common question we get from prospective hunters is "what is your success rate?" There are several factors
that determine success rate. The weather, hunter skill, condition of the hunter, and of course luck are the keys
to bagging a trophy. Our knowledge of the area and the game help offset a hunter's lack of experience. Riding horses
extends our hunters' endurance, but the better your skill and conditioning the better your chance.
 Over the last three years the success rate for hunters has been about 80% for
those that hunt 7 days and they either kill or miss on a good chance. We do our best to get every hunter their
elk.
Rates:
Regular hunts
are 8-days in camp. With one guide per two hunters the price is $2,950. One on one hunts are $3,850. Included in
the price of these hunts are guide, camp, horse, food while in camp, meat packing and airport pickup in Butte Montana.
You'll need your license, rifle, sleeping bag and personal items.
Semi/ guided hunts are 7-days in camp for groups or up to six. The price is $1,850 per hunter.
Day hunts are 7 days for $2,650 with one guide per two hunters not including motel. Price for drop camps will depend
on number of hunters, amount of gear, and the drop site.
Licensing:
 Since 1996 the state has guaranteed 5500 nonresident licenses for hunters that book with an outfitter. The
remaining 11,500 nonresident licenses are available through a lottery. The outfitter certified licenses have run
$835 while the lottery licenses have been $475. These prices may change.
Because it has become so difficult to draw the lottery license we strongly encourage our nonresident hunters to
purchase the outfitter certified license.
We will help you through the somewhat complicated licensing process. March 15 has been the license deadline. Give
us a call and we'll send you the license applications and talk dates.
Booking:
A 25% deposit will hold space for next year's hunt.
The deposit is only refundable if application procedures are followed and you fail to draw a license. Other refunds
will depend on our ability to rebook you trip. In any case deposits will be transferrable to another trip. Upon
obtaining you license, a second 25% deposit will be due. The balance is due two weeks prior to start of your trip.
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...I have been hunting seventeen times, and I would
like to commend you on running the most business like, efficient camp that I have been in. I only wish I would
have been in better physical condition because I think it would have enhanced my opportunity to get an elk. In
spite of that, I had my chances and that is after all what one contracts for in Elk hunting...