Milk River Outfitters
Milk River Outfitters
Rated 5 out of 5.0 based on 20 Outfitter reviews.
Contact: Eric Albus
Location: Hinsdale, Montana
Species Hunted: Whitetail Deer, Elk, Mule Deer, Pronghorn Antelope, Bighorn Sheep, Turkey, Grouse, Pheasant
State(s) Hunted: MT
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Submitted by: Mike Little
Review Submitted: Dec 13, 2010
Hunt Date: Oct 8, 2010
Species Hunted: Whitetail Deer
Days Hunted: 10
Hunt Type: Guided
Primary Terrain: Farmland
Method: Bow
Price Range: 3000-3999
Number of animals seen, met expectations?
Size of animals seen, met expections?
Hunting pressure in the guides area, met expectations?
Would you hunt with this Guide again?
Milk River Bow Hunt
I had an outstanding hunt and ended up not shooting an animal. The camp accommodations were excellent and the food was better than expected for hunting camp. I focused on one large 160" class 8 point buck but could not close the distance needed to make a kill shot. However, I was able to pass on several 140" class deer so it was a very satisfying experience. I will be hunting with Milk River Outfitters next year and for years to come. AAA rating for their hunting operation.
report this reviewnote: The following reviews predate the numeric rating system and are not included in this outfitter's overall rating.
outfitter review submitted by: Rick Stiles on Mar 17 2010
Species Hunted: whitetail
Game Quality: excellent
Accommodation Quality: excellent
Camp Condition: excellent
Food Quality: home cooking at its best
Guide Experience: the best
Other Personal Experience: excellent
Overall Impression: wouldnt go any where else
Recommend: YES
Reviewer Comments: I have hunted for 35 years and have never seen so many BIG deer in my life. If you are a bow hunter you have to go to the Milk River. Eric and his staff are the best around. They know every single deer that visit the fields and know where to put you. I've shot two deer in both my visits. (120 and a 160 class) with the bow. You have to go to to believe the volume of trophy class deer.
outfitter review submitted by: Darrel Wise on Jan 25 2010
Species Hunted: Whitetail deer
Game Quality: Excellent
Accommodation Quality: Very good
Camp Condition: Very good
Food Quality: Excellent
Guide Experience: Excellent
Other Personal Experience: Excellent
Overall Impression: Superb
Recommend: Yes
Reviewer Comments: I have recently retired after 20 years in the outfitting business in Alberta and given my experience, I feel qualified to "read between the lines." I could not have been any more impressed with every detail of the Milk River Outfitters operation. When I arrived at camp, both Jared and his guide, Darren came out of the building and greeted me like a long lost friend. They offered to take me out right then as there was still a couple of hours of light left. This was the day before my scheduled hunt but they were ready to go for it! We were into good bucks within 5 minutes from camp and I was ready to shoot one of them. Jared said I could shoot if I wanted, but if I liked what I was seeing, I was going to love the bucks they had in mind for me. Over the next few days, I laid eyes on more good Whitetail bucks than I ever imagined possible to see in one trip. I took a beautiful, heavy beamed 149+" buck that exceeded my best hopes. We also saw several great Mule deer bucks and I would love to return and have a go at one of them. I definetely had a wonderful successful hunt, but more importantly, I feel as though I gained a couple of new hunting buddies--friends for life. I was there over the Thanksgiving holiday and Jared took me into his home for dinner with his family and made me feel like I belonged there. That was very special and I won't be forgetting it! The Winchester Whitetail Revolution cameras recorded my hunt and you can see it on the Versus channel this next fall, but you shouldn't wait for that.You will find out why the Realtree crew has been returning to Milk River for the last 13 years in a row, and these are guys who can go anywhere on the planet. To some it up, Jared and his crew are good Christian men who are both friendly and extremely skilled at their trade and it is obvious that they really understand how to manage their properties for quality bucks. Look no further, you won't be disapointed and you could just possibly experience the hunt of your life. Feel free to call me if you like.
outfitter review submitted by: Bill Curley on Jan 21 2010
Species Hunted: Mule Deer
Game Quality: very good
Accommodation Quality: excellent
Camp Condition: excellent
Food Quality: excellent
Guide Experience: excellent
Other Personal Experience: excellent
Overall Impression: excellent
Recommend: absolutely
Reviewer Comments: This was my fourth guided hunt in either WY of MT and by far the best. The hunt was great and I killed my best mule deer to date but that is only part of what made the experience so enjoyable. The quality of the people was remarkable. Eric and his staff were very friendly and went out of their way to get to know each of the hunters in camp and that we were all having a good time. Which was not a problem given the amount of joking around and storytelling that went on both over meals and around the fire in the evening. It was our first time with Milk River Outfitters but most of the others had hunted there before, some several times. It felt like being in camp back in PA with lifelong friends rather than 2,500 miles away from home with 20 strangers. I was hunting with a friend who was whitetail hunting. He killed his best whitetail ever on the first night in camp and I filled my mule deer tag the next morning, a 5X4 with eye guards, a very nice 11-point to all my friends back home in PA. We hiked a few miles on the first day of the hunt and saw several bucks. The hiking was not particularly difficult, mostly pretty flat though we did hike up a few draws. I was prepared for another full day of hiking but we found a group of three bucks together before 8am the second day, two were shooters, and I was spared another day of hiking! All in all this was a tremendous experience, exactly what I hoped a western hunt would be like. We booked immediately for 2010.
outfitter review submitted by: Brian Hibbard on Jan 19 2010
Species Hunted: Whitetail
Game Quality: Excellent
Accommodation Quality: Excellent
Camp Condition: Excellent
Food Quality: Excellent
Guide Experience: Beyond Excellent
Other Personal Experience: Excellent
Overall Impression: Excellent
Recommend: Highly Recommend
Reviewer Comments: I have made three hunts with MRO over the last three years for whitetails(one archery and two rifle hunts). I cannot say enough about Eric and his staff. I consider my relationship with the them more of a friendship than an outfitter/client transaction. This is especially rare in the outfitting industry of today. Eric, Robyn, Darren, Scottie, and the entire MRO crew truly take pride in what they do and it shows. My November 2009 hunt couldn't come fast enough. I arrived in camp and, within an hour, Eric had me looking at dozens of deer. I observed some really nice bucks that first afternoon. My hunt, seriously, could have ended within an hour of arrival! However, after a long drive from Alabama, I wanted to see more of the picturesque Montana landscape. The following morning hunt really cannot be described with words. You just can't describe a Montana sunrise without being there. I saw well over 50 deer that morning and videoed at some great bucks including a really nice 10 point. I literally saw deer from the minute I sat down until the minute I was picked up. My second afternoon transpired in much the same fashion. Within an hour I had already passed on several bucks that most hunters would gladly take. (I have to mention I am not a hunter who has to take a deer that 'scores' well. I am looking for a mature deer that evokes the hunter in me; I know it when I see him.) As the afternoon progressed, such a buck emerged from the cottonwoods along the river. He was a heavy horned, mature buck with bladed brow tines and split G-2's. I gladly put my tag on him; what a hunt! In the days that followed, I took an antlerless mule deer and made a couple of pheasant hunts. If you are looking for a quality outfitter who cares about his customers, then look no further. MRO is truly one of a kind. I have been blessed to be able to hunt with various outfitters in various states and provinces over the course of my life. Fortunately, I have taken some really nice 'trophies' as well. However, none compare to my experiences and the fellowship among friends I share at MRO each fall. Now, November 2010 can't get here fast enough. God Bless, Brian
outfitter review submitted by: Rick Stiles on Jan 19 2010
Species Hunted: whitetail
Game Quality: excellent
Accommodation Quality: excellent
Camp Condition: excellent
Food Quality: home cooking at its best
Guide Experience: cant find better ones
Other Personal Experience: excellent
Overall Impression: will go back every year
Recommend: YES
Reviewer Comments: This was my 2nd trip to Eric and i can tell you one thing u will not find a better hunt. Eric and his staff are the best in the trade. They will put you on deer every day, every minute of the hunt. I have already booked my 2010 hunt with the bow. I' ve shot a 120 and a 160 class deer the 1st two times out there with the bow. I will hunting with Milkriver Outfitters with a recurve this year. Feel free to contact me on more info.
outfitter review submitted by: Don R. Goffinet on Mar 24 2008
Species Hunted: Mule Deer
Game Quality: Excellent
Accommodation Quality: First rate
Camp Condition: Excellent
Food Quality: Excellent - good variety
Guide Experience: First rate
Other Personal Experience: They were fine and very helpfu
Overall Impression: Excellent
Recommend: Yes-no reservations
Reviewer Comments: We hunted der and antelope in the Missouri Breaks south of Havre, MT, for many years with a friend. After he died, we were very fortunate to find Milk River Outfitters. It is a first rate operation and the hunting is terrific for mule and white tail deer, antelope and game birds. Buffalo hunting is also available (I got one in 2006) and through a drawing, chances for elk in the Missouri Breaks and mountain sheep are also possible. We have hunted with MRO for 5 years and have had great hunting each year.
outfitter review submitted by: David Bunchalk on Mar 20 2008
Species Hunted: Mule deer
Game Quality: excellent
Accommodation Quality: excellent
Camp Condition: excellent
Food Quality: excellent
Guide Experience: outstanding
Other Personal Experience: excellent
Overall Impression: excellent +++
Recommend: 100% yes
Reviewer Comments: I have hunted with Milk River Outfitters the last three years and booked for another. Never having been on a hunt prior and with so many oufitters out there, that choosing one can be hard. I heard about Milk River Outfitters via hunting videos. After talking with Eric and several of the references, I booked a hunt. Upon my arrival, I was greeted like I have known his family for years. I arrived early and given the option to start early. Needless to say, my hunt was over in about an hour and I couldn't have been more excited. This past year, 2007, I hunted again with Eric and the guys. The first morning we were all over good deer, however we were looking for something special. After seeing lots of deer, I saw several that were real close to me taking but still wanted to wait. Later that afternoon we found what we were looking for and I took a GREAT 180inch 5x5 with about a 6 inch sticker. It was the deer of lifetime for me. Hunts are in no way cheap and picking a good outfitter can be scary. I can't say enough about Eric, Jared, Darren, Brian, Cody, Jimmy and the rest of the crew. Over the years it is no longer a business relationship but more like hunting with old friends. I keep in touch throughout the year with most of the guys and look forward each fall to going out, hunting and visting with my friends. Everything is 100% and they go out of the way to make sure your hunt is the best. If you book, I know you will have a GREAT time. If anyone should have any questions please feel free to email.
outfitter review submitted by: Lee Jay Johnson on Mar 11 2008
Species Hunted: Mule Deer
Game Quality: Great
Accommodation Quality: Great
Camp Condition: Great
Food Quality: Great
Guide Experience: Great
Other Personal Experience: Great
Overall Impression: Great
Recommend: Highly
Reviewer Comments: i would highly recommend a hunt with Eric and any / all of his guys. it will leave you wanting to come back for more!
outfitter review submitted by: Jim Boyer on May 7 2004
Species Hunted: Whitetail/Mule Deer Elk Antelope
Game Quality: Excellent (trophy quality)
Accommodation Quality: Excellent
Camp Condition: Excellent
Food Quality: Excellent
Guide Experience: Excellent
Other Personal Experience: Excellent
Overall Impression: Excellent Experience
Recommend: Absolutely
Reviewer Comments: Milk River Outfitter's Whitetail leases are among the very best I have found in my travels. The numbers and quality of the Whitetails is what you dream about. The Mule Deer hunting is fantastic as well and again among the best I have personally seen. Milk River does the best job I have seen of giving you a full hunt for your money and after you harvest your big game animal you can hunt pheasants, waterfowl or varmints. You can not go wrong booking with Milk River for any species.
First Page
Contact: Justin Johns and Ben Harris
Location: Hotchkiss, Colorado
Species Hunted: Elk, Mule Deer, Black Bear, Bobcat, Mountain Lion
State(s) Hunted: CO
New Mexico Hunting Information
New Mexico is one of the top destinations for trophy Elk and Antelope hunting. Draw odds can be tough depending on the unit but landowner tags are also available for those who don't draw. Mule Deer are plentiful but generally of average size. Only a couple of units and reservations consistently produce big muleys.
Utah Hunting Information
Utah has recently been outstanding for trophy elk, but the best tags take many years to draw. Utah does have conservation tags available for purchase that allow hunters to bypass the drawing. Given the high demand for these premium tags prices can be high. In the past Utah has been a top trophy mule deer state but recently only a handful of units consistently produce B&C caliber deer.
Saskatchewan Hunting Information
Saskatchewan is home to giant whitetails and skies filled with waterfowl. Saskatchewan is located in the northern part of the central flyway and harbors huge numbers of migrating ducks and geese. Canada moose and black bear are plentiful. Hundreds of outfitters are available to provide whatever kind of hunt a guy or gal needs.
