Van Brunt says the hunts take place on 200,000 acres of private land with very good access. While most of the hard work is done with vehicles, it's not a "drive-around-in-a-truck hunt." After climbing to the high points to glass, it's all spot-and-stalk on foot. Owner/guide Chris Faber notes there is some rugged terrain but not overly challenging, and they usually don't use horses.
While Van Brunt says it was difficult to draw this area, even as a Montana resident, it was worth it, and he will return as soon as he can draw again. With only 10 percent of the permits available to nonresidents, this is an even tougher draw.
Van Brunt says the accommodations were the best he's ever experienced in North America. Bear Paw Hunts' website lists five different lodges, all with bathroom and shower facilities, TV and phone service. Some locations have internet service and laundry. Van Brunt says he and his wife (she also drew the area and got her elk on the fifth day) stayed in three of them and, "the lodges and food were wonderful."
Chris Faber was Van Brunt's guide, and he says this was the best part. "Faber's knowledge of the game and the area are extraordinary. His attitude was exceptional. He was unrelenting in his efforts to get me the kind of bull I wanted."
The price of the six-day rifle hunt is $7,800, which includes meals........(continued)
