Bob Marshall guided hunt.

[Bhunter253]

Paul,
Ya we were in there with the storm.it wasn't as bad as the eastern slope but we still got probably 2ft , probably around 1 ft at camp... it started to melt decently fast on Monday after the storm. But by that point Tuesday was our last  half day of hunting...we didn't get anything...we had one day last Thursday the 26th where we got under 200 yards from like 4 different bulls bulging like crazy... the wind was swirling all day and it dumped rain somehow they never got super aggressive and new to somehow keep that 150 to 200 yard buffer... and you know that timber your lucky to get 50 ft alot of places.  There were bulls seen by guys but nothing hit the ground... they didn't even get a bull the first week before us... Amy was saying she couldn't ever remember having a year where through 2 weeks they hadn't gotten 1 bull..... it's been their worst year so far ever.... crazy.... they were thinking that the really wet summer kept things to lush in the timber that it changed up how they acted.. the storm definitely didn't help basically losing almost 3 days of visibility.  The pass coming out was pretty bad. It was amazing and that is definitely a first class outfit and you can tell they truly care about everyone's safety and making sure your having a great experience. Amy is an amazing cook. I would love to go back an try to redeem myself in a few years.. hopefully josh the other guy on here has a great hunt and the law of averages help them on their hunt. He's there now for the 3rd hunt.  I can say I wish I did a bunch of riding before I went. 24 miles in is no joke lol all in all an animal is just a bonus and I loved every minute of it  , sore a## sucking wind hiking those mountains and all .... and I can't wait to be able to go back money wise...

[ljsommer]

For others who may be interested, what was your total budget for this trip if you include food, gas, and the cost of the guiding itself? Any significant tag/license cost?

[Bhunter253]

So this is a 9 day hunt.  Lose 2 days horse riding in an out. Last day to hunt is half day so total 6.5 days of hunting.
Cost to book was 5350.00
Just elk license was just under 1000
We had a hotel the night before we left an when we came out so total probably 200 to 225 split 2 ways
Food just minimal on the way and home call it 100 bucks
Gas my buddies truck got excellent gas mileage an I believe it was 4 total tanks and that's counting filling back up at home so call it 300 to 350 bucks -
Then we tipped but that's up to the individual on amount.
Not including tip... probably 6700 to 6900
Seems pricey for not getting anything but that's hunting and the experience is worth it...

[big wood]

Mills is definately first class operation

[HUNTIN4SIX]

Montana Safaris has been doing well back there too.

[puyallupaul]

Loosing 3 days on visibility is a bummer. That's hunting. Amy is amazing.
Did Tucker show you where I got mine ?
Did you get a book signed by Ron ?  See where he lost pack string described in the book ?
Can't beat the trip.

[Bhunter253]

Yup that's hunting.  Cant control the weather. Specially the wilderness by the divide can change quick in there.  I would love to be able to do it every year and would go back with mills when I get the chance.Ron wasn't there and I only saw tucker the first and last night. He was with return clients the whole trip. We stayed at the spike camp half the time... I think when I rebook in the future if they have the same setup I'd ask to stay at cliff creek spike camp the whole time..i liked it up there...Coming out they had the pack string break several times. Mules take off.. Couldn't find all the mules in the morning... we left camp about 730 am they were supposed to be within an hour of us and it was almost 11 when they were finally able to get on there trail...it was after 10 pm when we met them at their place... they had a very long day trying to get out...just never know what can happen .

[Bhunter253]

Pic

[Bhunter253]

Another

[Bhunter253]

Another

[puyallupaul]

Above Cliff Creek is where I think Phelps stayed on his trip. He thinks he may have heard my shot.