HUNT | Rafter M Hunting Co.

Hunting Information and Pricing

MULE DEER

The Eastern Montana landscape is known for providing some of the most iconic Mule Deer hunting opportunities available; pine covered bluffs, cedar draws, rolling badlands, prairie, sagebrush flats and agricultural hubs on the Yellowstone, Powder and Tongue Rivers. From the Missouri Breaks in Jordan to the Pine Hills around Miles City, explore thousands of acres of private hunting leases scattered throughout these iconic landscapes. Hunting tactics include but are not limited to, covering vast ranches via vehicles on two-track roads, spot and stalk, hiking, sitting in box blinds or tree stands. We specializes in Mule Deer hunts for all age classes and physical abilities.

When it comes to Trophy Mule Deer, our rule at Rafter M Hunting Co. is age class equals trophy class. We understand, through a lifetime of hunting experience, most trophy Mule Deer bucks in Eastern Montana are generally 6-8 years old, and our trophy hunting management practices correlate directly to harvesting these mature bucks. Our guides have extensive experience aging and scoring Mule Deer, and pride themselves in identifying and harvesting this specific class of deer. Our Trophy Mule Deer bucks generally score between 155"-175" with the occasional deer over 180". Trophy Mule Deer hunt quantities are very limited.

In order to properly manage Mule Deer numbers and quality on our hunting leases, and ensure the best genetics for future generations, we also facilitate Management Mule Deer hunts. Management Mule Deer does not mean a 'small deer', this simply means an opportunity at harvesting a deer that does not carry the genetic potential to reach trophy caliber. Photos of recent management bucks harvested can be emailed upon request.

Note: A refund of $1,000 will be given to anyone that chooses to shoot a whitetail buck while on a Trophy Mule Deer Hunt.

Note: Make it a combination hunt and add antelope for an extra $1,500

TAGS & LICENSING: Drawing through MT FWP with Outfitter Preference Point

Trophy Mule Deer Hunt (Rifle/Archery) - 5 day hunt. Lodging, guide, and meals included.- $7,500

Management Mule Deer Hunt (Rifle/Archery)- 3 day hunt. Lodging, guide and meals included.- $4,000

WHITETAIL DEER

Eastern Montana is home to amazing Whitetail hunting. Whether it's sitting a tree stand on a cottonwood lined river bottom with archery equipment in September, spotting and stalking bedded bucks in the badlands, or rattling in rutted up whitetails from the comfort of an elevated box blind in November: at Rafter M Hunting Co., we appreciate all the challenges and tactics required to hunt these iconic critters.

In recent years, our leases have produced many quality whitetail deer ranging from 140"-170", however encounters with bigger bucks are not uncommon. When it comes to age class and maturity, our target goals for harvesting Whitetail are similar to Mule Deer; age class means trophy class. Due to strong whitetail numbers and favorable genetics, we are currently not providing Management Whitetail Deer hunts. It is strongly encouraged our clients harvest mature bucks and our guides will do their best to target those mature bucks.

Note: Make it a combination hunt and add antelope for an extra $1,500

TAGS & LICENSING: Drawing through MT FWP with Outfitter Preference Point

Whitetail Deer Hunt (Rifle/Archery) September-November - 5 day hunt. Lodging, guide, and meals included. - $6,500

ANTELOPE

When it comes to icons of the western prairies, its easy to understand why antelope rank so highly on the list. These speedy, curious, and unpredictable critters provide a western hunting experience second to none. Our leases have an abundance of antelope and have historically produced Boone and Crockett potential.

Whether its sitting ground blinds on water holes during archery season, spot and stalk with decoys, or dialing in long guns during rifle season, our guides here at Rafter M Hunting Co. have experience in every tactic required to successfully harvest this unique species.

TAGS & LICENSING: Antelope license required via drawing. 900-20 for archery and 007-20 for rifle. Draw odds vary. It's recommended clients have obtained or are building antelope bonus points for the best potential outcomes of securing a permit.

Antelope Archery, August-October- 5 day hunt. Lodging, guide, and meals included. - $4,500

Antelope Rifle, October-November- 3 day hunt. Lodging, guide, and meals included. - $4,500

ELK

It is no secret that in recent years Eastern Montana has entered the spotlight of the Elk Hunting community. With the combination of fantastic genetics, limited tags, and favorable habitat, elk numbers and quality have flourished in the area. Plainly stated; Eastern Montana is producing and will continue to produce giant bulls. Here at Rafter M Hunting Company, we provide very limited Elk hunting opportunities for both archery and rifle in Region 7.

Elk Hunting leases range between hunting districts, HD- 700, HD-702, HD-704, and HD-705.

TAGS & LICENSING: Licensing must be obtained by the client via drawing. With current drawing statistics, it is recommended clients have obtained and or are building bonus points for the best potential outcome of securing a permit.

Elk Archery September-October- 7 day hunt. Lodging, guide, and meals included. - $12,500

Elk Rifle October-November- 5 day hunt. Lodging, guide, and meals included. - $12,500

TURKEY

Eastern Montana is home to arguably some of the most beautiful, and callable, white tipped Merriam Turkeys in the country. Turkey populations in the area are thriving and the same goes for our hunting leases. From morning roost ambushes in the Cottonwoods to spot and stalk in the rolling hills, or ground blind sets on the strut grounds; Rafter M Hunting Co. offers unique but also client specific Turkey Hunting opportunities. Due to current regulations and a surplus population of Turkeys, Rafter M Hunting Co. allows an opportunity to harvest two birds on your hunt.

Tags and Licensing: Available for purchase over the counter or online.

Spring Turkey April-May- 4 day hunt. Lodging, guide, and meals included. - $3,200

Fall Turkey- 4 day hunt. Lodging, guide, and meals included. - $3,200

PRAIRIE DOG

June and early July provide a unique opportunity for clients to hone their marksmanship skills via prairie dog shoots. This laid-back yet action packed experience has become a client favorite over the years, and spots fill up quick. With miles of private, and mostly untouched prairie dog towns, it's not uncommon for clients to shoot upwards of 300+ rounds in a given day. Come for a day, or as many days as your budget and rifles can handle. Shooting hours between 9am-5pm.

Tags and Licensing: No tags or licensing required.

Prairie Dog - Price per day, lodging, guide, and meals included. - $750

UPLAND GAME AND WATERFOWL

Now offering hunting opportunities and access for upland game and waterfowl. In recent years, populations of sharp-tailed grouse, pheasant, and even sage grouse have been on a steady incline. Geese and duck numbers continue to stay steady. Although the crew here at Rafter M has enjoyed upland game and waterfowl hunting for ourselves, these hunts are new to the leases.

Tags and Licensing: Upland Game, Migratory Bird available over the counter and online.

Upland Game/Waterfowl October-January - Price per day, lodging, guide, and meals included. - $750

NOTE: Rafter M Hunting Company is not responsible for tag applications or tag costs associated with applications. We will assist clients with applications and ensure clients apply for the correct hunts, however hunt prices are listed without tag costs.

Rafter M Hunting Company Guides will assist clients with field dressing all game species, however meat processing and taxidermy is the responsibility of the client. Several local options for meat processing and taxidermy will be provided for all clients.

Hunting 'Gear' lists vary by season and species, please feel free to contact Rafter M Hunting Company with any questions regarding gear suggested for hunts listed.