DIY Montana Elk Hunting with Garrett Burback

DIY Montana elk hunting with Garrett Burback could be your ticket to the wilderness if your dream elk hunt is one that is equal parts tough, fulfilling, and reasonably priced. The elk season hype is alive and strong as of March 3, 2025, and seasoned hunter, Marine veteran, and conservationist Garrett Burback provides a lesson in hunting wapiti over Montana’s huge public lands.

Burback’s experiences are a treasure mine for anyone wishing to go do-it-yourself elk hunt this year; he is known for his tenacity and skill. Let’s explore the most recent on his strategy, new ideas for 2025, and how you may direct his knowledge into your own Montana trip.

Garrett Burback is Who?

Your typical elk hunter is not Garrett Burback. From Pulaski, New York, he owns Lesser Wilderness Guide Services and serves on the board of the New York Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA).

At age twelve, his path into hunting started and was molded by mentoring local outdoormen following the death of his father. One important person who stoked his insane enthusiasm was a Mohawk-descended woodsman called Chub.

At 72, Chub is still Burback’s hunting buddy today and evidence of the lifetime relationships developed in the outdoors. Burback, a Marine vet deeply committed to conservation, offers his hunts a special mix of discipline and respect—qualities that show up in his DIY Montana elk hunts.

For why Montana in 2025?

With over 125,000 square miles of huntable territory comprising 110 general archery districts and 104 general rifle districts for brow-tined bulls, Montana will still be a DIY hunter’s dream in 2025. Despite obstacles like drought in the east and predator threat in the northwest, the state’s elk herds are flourishing most of which meet population targets.

The archery season went from September 7 to October 20; rifle season ran from October 26 to December 1; a muzzleloader season ran from December 14 to 22 this year. If you are packing a general tag, these kind of lenient dates provide hunters like you lots of chances to bag a bull—or an antlerless elk.

Montana’s accessibility and mystique appeal to Burback drives his passion for the state. “Elk were huge, loud, and mystical—unlike the quiet, sneaky whitetail deer I was accustomed to in New York,” he once told East to West Hunting.

After a humble Colorado flop, his first Montana hunt taught him the need of backup plans. In 2025, he would probably advise visiting less well-known locations like the Castle Mountains or the Snowy Mountains (Unit 411), where elk counts are steady but crowds are sparse.

Garrett’s Handbook for Do-It-Yourselfers: Advice for 2025

For the do-it-yourself hunter, Burback’s method emphasizes preparation, flexibility, and grit—perfect. Here’s how you might put his insight to use this year:

1.Scout Smart, Not Hard: Burback discovered the hard way in Colorado—do not rely just on one location. Using onX maps, Montana’s Hunt Planner, and Google Earth, identify five possible sites for 2025. To help you focus, review population trends and harvest statistics—available on the Montana FWP website. Burback’s fifth Montana location was his winner; long game plans call for this.

2.Inspired by Steven Rinella and BHA, Burback supports public lands in her public land Hustle. Non-residents can still get a general elk tag via lottery (apply by March 15) in 2025; leftovers occasionally are available over-the-counter. Generally speaking, you are free to wander most western units—no guide needed. The phrase of Burback is Get a mile off the road to avoid 90% of the rivals.

3.Archery elk hunting is Burback’s dream come true; game calling is his edge. Cow calls and bull bugles can draw a lovesick bull within bow range in 2025’s rut, which peaks mid-September. Use calls from Bugling Bull or Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls; Burback’s Eastern heritage make him a sucker for this participatory hunt.

4.DIY calls for dragging your camp on your back. Pack light, pack right. Burback’s pack probably consists of tarp, dried food, a water filter, and a jetboil—basis that keeps you portable. Add a lightweight puffy jacket and rain gear for the erratic fall weather (think of sudden snow at 6,200 feet). Given that you are packing more than 250 pounds of elk, every ounce counts.

5.Know the Regs: Burback emphasizes reading Montana’s regulations three times since they can trip you. While some units allow either sex, others are brow-tined bull only—a point at least 4 inches on the lower antler half. As yearly regulations change, check the most recent from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP). Ignorance is not a justification out here.

A 2025 Twist: Weather and Wolves

According FWP statistics, the mild winter of this year has kept elk higher longer. Early archery hunters may concentrate above treeline if the trend continues, while rifle season may see elk pushed lower by late snow. Burback’s bear-country expertise also holds true—wolves and grizzlies from Montana will be active in 2025. While wolf hunts have reduced their population in areas like the Bob Marshall Wilderness, grizzlies remain a wild card. Hang your meat high and have bear spray close at reach for sleeping.

The Burback Payoff

Burback’s hunts aren’t just about meat—they’re about soul. “The beauty of the land and the sounds of bugling elk echoing through the timber would be enough,” he’s said, per a hunter’s testimonial on Rhynard Ranch Recreation.

But a successful harvest? That’s the cherry on top. In 2025, channel his grit: hike further, call louder, and plan smarter. Whether you’re after a 5×5 bull or a cow for the freezer, Montana’s wild heart—and Garrett Burback’s DIY spirit—awaits.

Ready to chase elk like Burback? Grab your tag, lace up your boots, and hit the trail. The mountains are calling, and 2025 might just be your year to answer.

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