Keith Atcheson : An Outfitter Too

We learned about Atcheson's Montana operation from subscriber Scott Bylsma, who says he hunted with the Atcheson's this past October/November when a client from his own business invited him. He says he was pleasantly surprised to discover who the outfitter was upon arrival in camp.

Atcheson offers hunts for mule deer, elk and antelope in central Montana's Judith Mountains about two hours north of Billings. He has access to about 10,000 acres of private land, which he says is perfectly situated to attract numbers of game animals. The ranch where he is based is at 4,000 feet and features alfalfa and hay fields where the game comes to feed. The ranch is surrounded by mountains, with the highest elevations at 5,500 feet. The northern slopes are covered in juniper as well as ponderosa and jack pine, and the slopes to the south are open. The combination of good timber cover and the farmlands makes for ideal spot-and-stalk country.

Atcheson says the hunting can be as physically demanding, or un-demanding, as a client wants. Much of it can be done with the use of a vehicle. He says clients of all ages and physical conditions have been successful on these hunts. Bylsma's report supports that. He says one of the hunters in his gr........(continued)