Montana Hunting Testimonials!
Shoot Straight or Shoot Often
This story was written by Hank Newburn who hunted with K Lazy Three Outfitters in September of 2011 and it appeared in the Big Timber Pioneer and the Agi-News newspaper.The story as presented here is exactly as it was written.
On the second morning of our early season elk hunt in the Scapegoat Wilderness, I was awakened shortly after 3:00 A.M. by Brett Todd, the owner of K Lazy 3 Outfitters. There was a bit of moonlight lighting the trail for our 2 1/2 hour ride to exactly where Brett wanted to be when daylight finally arrived. If you have never ridden a horse for several hours on a dark mountain trail, it is a trust exercise that everyone should experience.
Later in the day, Brett and I were overlooking a wooded area from a vista that was so amazing I cannot describe it. I took pictures, but the pictures don’t really show the magnificence of the view. Brett was perched like an eagle out on a rocky point. He pointed out a shelf to our right where he had once had a hunter who disappointed him when he wasn’t able to get close enough to the edge to take a shot at a bull elk below. I told him I could shoot from that shelf but not from where Brett currently was perched. I am somewhat afraid of heights, but it never occurred to me that I might have to follow through on that statement.
A short while later, Brett called in a bull elk to the area right below our look-out. I do not know how I mustered up the courage, but I ended up shooting from that precarious perch. One of Brett’s admonitions to his hunters is, “Shoot straight or shoot often.” I have always shot straight before, but somehow from this height, it took me four shots to kill the elk. Fortunately for me, the sound was carrying strangely in the canyon so the elk did not even realize he was being shot at. Now the adventure began!
To say that the location of my elk after I shot it was in a very difficult location to get to would be the understatement of my lifetime. We had to descend somewhere close to 1,000 feet down a chute in the cliff side. The top half was very technical, requiring four points of contact (hands and feet) to help lower ourselves down this chute. We were essentially mountaineering without the proper equipment. Keep in mind that this harrowing descent came after we had already exhausted ourselves checking out other locations and then resigning ourselves to this location. I am a runner. I have completed two marathons (just six minutes off qualifying for the Boston marathon) and several half-marathons in the past five years, so I know when my tank is on empty. I had no idea how this mountain man/cowboy could do this every day all season. I knew I was already pushed physically, and I knew we still had to get back up to where we started. We made it down the chute, both of us assisting each other at some points. All we were carrying was our knives and license.
Brett gutted the elk, and I realized with dread that we were ready to return from whence we came. My excitement was upstaged by apprehension and concern for my well-being, but I knew there was no other choice but to ascend back through the chute we came down. Brett assured me that you can climb more severe terrain than you can descend. In other words, if you can get down. you can get back up, but not vice versa. As we climbed I inconveniently remembered something I have told my wife and family for many years…..I do not want to die in a car accident or in a hospital. I want to die falling off a cliff or down the side of a mountain or at the paws of a grizzly while I’m out hunting. Granted those might not be peaceful ways to go, but they would be natural.. As those thoughts popped into my head at a time where this could certainly occur. I made a mental note to reconsider that wish if I made it out of this alive. We made it out somehow, but it occurred to me you have to be careful what you wish for!
I am sure Brett could see that my sense of adventure was waning, so apparently he decided to make some small talk. As we were taking a breather and planning our ascent through a difficult spot, Brett thought it appropriate to ask me if I had seen a television show where a father and his son and daughter were rock climbing in Arizona and had a mishap. The father ended up cutting his rope and falling to his death to save the life of his children. I couldn’t help but think that this was hardly the appropriate time to discuss that show or any related theme, but it did give me an uncomfortable glimpse into what was going through Brett’s mind.
After we made it down and back up, we prepared for our return to the horses, a long and difficult trip walking on the side of a hill with loose shale and wet grass. Brett was well ahead of me looking like he was just getting warmed-up, while my tank was on empty. I thought to myself what an awesome gift Brett had just given me. Sure I paid him for this, but I don’t think what I just went through is provided in most elk hunts. The effort Brett put into this was amazing from getting me to the location, bugling the elk in, coaching me through shooting it, and then the descent/gut elk/ascent/return to the horses is an experience I do not think is possible to top. For me, it is an experience I will remember and share for the rest of my life. For Brett, it was just another “day at the office”.
As a physician, I am reminded from time to time of my ability to have a significant life-changing impact on the lives of others. What is routine for me in my daily life may be life-changing/life-saving for my patient. Brett impacted my life in a significant way, and I hope he realizes this and keeps that in perspective every time he guides a hunter. I decided to share a quote from T.S. Eliot that I had learned a couple weeks ago with Brett: “Only those who risk going too far will possibly find out how far one can go.” I found that out on September 16, 2011!
Author Hank Newburn
“Finding ones mental and physical limit is truly a gift, a treasure that feeds the sole. An event that heightens ones self awareness and enhances ones self image.”
October 5, 2008
Dear Brett,
I want to thank you for the great hunting experience that I had with you and your guides while in Montana last month. I have had the opportunity to book hunts with other outfitters and none show the professionalism that you and your staff demonstrate. Everything from the effort you and your guides put forth to make the hunt successful, to the outstanding food that Susan prepared each day was outstanding.
I can’t wait to get back out to Montana and spend another week with you, Guy, Brandon, Susan, and the rest of your staff. I HAD A GREAT TIME!
Thank You,
Sid Sponaugle
November 18, 2007
Hello Brett & The Gang @ the K Lazy Three,
I just wanted to drop a quick a note and let you know how much of a great time we had on our hunt this fall. First, both Don and I have told everyone how much of a “Real Trip” it was; from the customers, to the employees, to the scenery, to the experiences, it was truly awesome. I never would have thought that I would drop an Elk at 330 yards; and an 11 pointer to boot. As I said just after the shot, It was the most amazing hunting experience in the last 20 years; it was awesome….a hunt of a lifetime. You all have a little piece of Heaven in your back yard. I just wanted to pass my sincere appreciation to you and the gang. As I said to you before, we will absolutely make the trip again.
Please feel free to use me as a reference; I would be glad to speak to any potential clients. Home number is 815-459-1414.
Attached is the photo of our bull….
Again, it was an experience I will never forget.
Regards,
Ned Redkamp
November 19, 2007
Brett,
I’ve been wanting to drop you a note about our recent trip to the Scapegoat Wilderness, while the memories of that trip are still fresh in my mind and before life beats the “West” back out of me!
I have to say, as much as I was looking forward to that trip, I was still taken aback. The mountain air & scenery, the ride in to Meadow Creek (I know how to pronounce “creek”, now too), the food, the camaraderie; all far beyond expectations.
I had never before had an opportunity to take such a trip, and elk hunting had long been a dream of mine. Hunting whitetails in the Deep South left me with a lot of questions about what such a hunt would be like, mountain
weather, gear, traveling on horseback, extensive hiking and even making a shot in the mountains.
Needless to say, you and your crew did an outstanding job settling any questions I had, and more importantly, getting me in the middle of elk on several occasions. Well before noon on the first hunt at Maryann/Blondie, Guy managed to get me into position and ultimately within range of several elk on both sides of me. I had to admit to him then, that even if the chance to pull the trigger escaped me; I could come home knowing that I experienced true elk hunting. Actually getting my elk a couple of days later was icing on the cake!
I have to hand it to Brandon too, when I finally caught up to him at the lookout over Camp Creek, he already had a bull spotted, and, in spite of my record-setting uphill pace, he was still willing to make the four hour hike around Galusha Peak and the Devils Staircase in pursuit. Too bad, that big boy stayed a step ahead of us. Nonetheless, that was an unforgettable day, and goes down as one of the highlights of the trip. Had someone pointed out that hike to me before leaving Cajun Country, I’m quite sure my response would have been “Mais Jamais (Never!)”
Just today, I noticed your mission statement: “.to provide you with a Rocky Mountain wilderness experience that will renew the spirit, refresh the mind and invigorate the senses!”. I can truthfully say that y’all have certainly succeeded in doing so, and in addition, have left me with fond memories and a tremendous sense of accomplishment.
Feel free to have anyone contact me as a reference, and give my regards to Susan, Guy, Brandon, Jess, Jerry & Dustin; had a lot of laughs with that bunch.
Hoping everyone has a safe and happy holiday season,
Mark Hymel
mphymel@clementcontrols.com
(504) 616-7104 cell
December 10, 2006
Hi Brett,
I had to say thank you again for providing me a fantastic hunt of my lifetime which will never be forgotten. This was my first fully guided hunt and I had no idea what to expect, but everything exceeded my wildest expectations.
Marc did a super job guiding me and locating and calling my 5 x 6 bull within 40 yards for the kill. As we descended as fast as we could from about 7,500 down to the South Creek bottom he cow called over and over and the bull would bugle back and we new he was coming. It was like he had that bull on a lead rope reeling him in.
The horse back ride in and out was an adventure in itself with the beautiful mountain scenery and the winding/climbing/descending trails. Jim the camp cook kept all of us well feed and his camaraderie can’t be forgotten either. I hope to make it back again and this time bring a friend or two so they can see for themselves instead of me trying to explain. Unless you have been to Camp Creek and experienced it then it just isn’t the same.
Thanks again and hope to book another hunt in the future.
Sincerely,
Paul Stevens
P.S.
I will be glad to give references for K Lazy 3 for Camp Creek Sept. 23 to
29, 2006. I can be best reached on my cell @ 563-379-1764
12/10/06
Brett,
I want to thank you for such a great hunt! The experience, the food, and the company was awesome. You run a Class A operation. When I elk hunt again, you will be my 1st. choice. This was my first time in the wilderness. I have been in remote areas, but not like Meadow Creek. It was incredible! I can’t thank you enough. I hope that you and your family have a great Christmas.
Sincerely,
Chris Harrington
December 20, 2005
Bret & Julie,
I would like to just say thanks for the most exciting and memorable hunting experience of my life. It has always been a dream of mine to go on a “wilderness fair chase Elk hunt”. Meadow Creek Camp in the Scapegoat Wilderness provided all I had hoped for and more. K Lazy Three Outfitters is a first class operation from start to finish.
Being lucky enough to harvest a nice 4×4 on my first elk hunt was great but the 7 days in the wilderness with good friends, experienced guides (Brett, Guy & Brandon), a great cook (Susan) and a hard working packer like Jerry was just as rewarding as the hunt itself. The views on top of all the mountain peaks and ridges were breathtaking and I have a photo album full of pictures to remember each and every on of them. Mineral mountain would have to be my favorite because that is where Tim and I shot our elk on the same day and almost at the same time. Next would be Bugle mountain and the day we spent together on top of the mountain. It was neat adding my rock to the rock pile of people who had been there before me. Also, this is where you spotted the herd of elk on Mineral mountain the day before we shot our elk.
I shall return and next time I will bring my youngest son who loves to hunt and hike as much as I do. Thanks, again for a totally outstanding hunting adventure.
Sincerely,
Dave Pieper
PS: Thanks for the letter and pictures you sent. I like the 2005 Hunting Season In Review and the pictures on your web site.
October 11, 2005
Hello Brett and to all at K Lazy 3,
I wanted to write and say “THANK YOU” for a truly TOP NOTCH hunt that my friends and I had. Camp Creek was a great experience even with all the “sweat and pain” I endured. Even though I was not one of the lucky ones to take an elk myself I was still able to experience the excitement of the hunt. I was fortunate and was with my buddy Steve when our guide, Mark King, called in a very nice 7×7 which Steve was able to harvest. Prior to our arrival, Steve and I agreed that if we were so lucky as to take a shot he would get the first shot. Mark called the bull to within approximately 60 yards of us. Steve was able to get the shot off and take a Very nice bull. Even though I didn’t do the shooting, the excitement that I experienced could not have been greater. It was the rush that all hunters have and you, I am sure, know what I am talking about.
Our other guide, Guy, hunted with me after that. He was able to call in two different bulls. One bull bugled over twenty times in a two hour period but he just wouldn’t show himself. The next night a bull snuck to within approximately forty feet behind us and when he blew we couldn’t see his brow tines!
I didn’t get the kill but I’m far from being disappointed with the hunt. What a great experience! I had it all except for actually pulling the trigger, it was fantastic!
The food prepared was outstanding and the guides were superb, they want you to take a bull as much as you want to take one.
I hope to see all of you again in the near future years.
Again thanks for a great hunt and a great time. I hope the remainder of the season is a successful one for all at K Lazy 3. Happy Hunting!
Sincerely,
Jim Weldon, Gallatin, Missouri
P.S. We were a hunting party of four and were 50% on the hunt with two bulls taken at Camp Creek. Our hunt was from September 15th through September 21, 2005. I highly recommend K Lazy 3 and will be glad top give references on their behalf. I can be reached at 660-772-3223 should anyone wish to contact me.
September 22, 2005
K Lazy Three Outfitters
664 Highway 10 E
Big Timber, MT 59011
Dear Brett and Julie,
Just thought I would drop you a note to let you know how pleased I was with my hunt this first season of 2005. As you know, this is my second hunt with you folks, Camp Creek this year and Meadow Creek last year.
As you probably know I took a 7×7 good bull this year. Our camp also had a 5×5 nice bull and a lot of other close opportunities for the other 2 hunters in camp. The four of us are friends from a small farming community in Missouri.
Our cook, Scott Clatt, was the cause of my six pound gain. Our guides, Guy and Mark caused me a lot of sore muscles and our horses a sore rump.
I would also like to thank Jerry who packed the meat to the locker for processing (18 miles).
From the planning by Julie to the hunting and exceptional accommodations, this has taken a very rough and physical hunt and made it the most enjoyable time I have ever had. My friend Jim Weldon (who should have been shelling corn) is usually more nervous than a rat in a trap when he is gone during harvest. On Sunday he asked what day it was because he was so relaxed he didn’t even know, let alone care what day it was.
Thanks again for the fine hunt.
Sincerely,
Steve Dahms
February 1, 2005
Brett,
I just wanted to drop you a line to say how awesome my hunting experience was with KLazy3. Everything was first class from the guides to the food to the awesome outdoor experience of seeing a Lynx, Elk, Moose, Mountain Goats, eagles and all the other critters native to the Scapegoat. The scenery was breathtaking! The tents were dry, warm and downright comfortable!! To be honest I was disappointed when we had to leave. Can’t wait to come again!!! Thanks for a great experience! It was awesome not only to take my 1st elk but also my 1st Mule Deer.
Thanks for everything!!
Sincerely,
Jeff Dalton
Hamilton, MO
(816) 583-4028
October 28, 2008
Brett & Julie Todd,
I really don’t know where to start with the elk hunt starting September 15, 2008. I never dreamed that it would be such awesome time with family and friends. The horseback ride to camp was great with all the beautiful scenery but not as bad on the behind as I thought it would be. Susan the cook; could cook about anything you would want, the meals were 5 star rated .The hunting was great too; our group of four, all scored with nice elk which made the hunt that much more unforgettable even more the other two hunters in our camp scored too, one with an elk the other with a mule deer. The guides Brett, Brandon and Guy were the top of the line. They new all the tricks of the trade to get you close enough for the kill or bring the game to you for the kill. Jerry was our packer and he did an awesome job taking the kills out and bringing in fresh supplies, we kept him busy. The camp was clean and very relaxing we didn’t have any trouble sleeping and the scenery was just gorgeous. Brett has two camps one with 6 people and the other with 4, and 5 of the 10 people were returning, some for multiple times I think that says a lot about this outfitter guides and family. I know for me, my sons and friend that this adventure will be a talked about for many years to come, and if I am able I will do it again. Thanks again Brett & Julie Todd and the K LAZY 3 OUTFITTERS AND GUIDES.
Have a great day and I shot straight,
Tom McBain
Thom McBain
Randy Sears
Mike Kuntz Jr
10/08/08
Brett,
I am writing to express my deepest appreciation for the “wilderness experience” that you made possible recently over the early archery Elk season for 2008. Although the Elk hunt was the excuse and stated focus, your camp, crew, and personal perspective ensured that I did not miss out on the “wilderness experience” regardless of the outcome of the hunting. That said, the hunting was beyond description. Seeing and hearing Elk every day is more than can ever be expected in any area. When it takes more than one hand to count the number of times that I was within 30 of elk I am glad my heart is healthy. While I missed a shot at a nice bull with my arrow (but smacked that tree good), I come away with the elation of having been presented with an opportunity to get a shot off with bow and arrow which is a testament to your skills as a guide (just not my ability to keep cool). In addition, the challenge presented by the terrain and effort necessary to make such opportunities possible were themselves a welcome part of the experience.
On my return, I find myself telling stories of the wonderful wilderness, incredible crew, fellow camp inhabitants, and tough stock while maintaining a beaming grin on my face. After finishing with stories of the animals I was able to get close to, I usually need prompting by the listener to indicate whether I harvested an animal. It is not that I am not intensely focused on this element or that I lack desire to accomplish this goal, it is simply that the whole of the experience is so filled with satisfaction that this seems to be only a part. My return also reintroduced me to the tremendous stresses that occupy my life currently, but my time in the mountains brought these into new perspective and left me with a refreshed vigor.
I have hunted in several locations including Kodiak for bear and Mexico for Mule deer with other outfitters and believe it is simply not fair to compare them to the experience I enjoyed with KLazy3. Although it is abundantly obvious that I have quite strongly feelings about the experience, I have to separate out a component that I feel is absolutely unique, the KLazy3 crew. The respect I have for each member of the crew is complete. There are many reasons that I could list but two of the most important are their true respect, passion, understanding of the wilderness and their personal integrity. Spending time with these individuals in any setting is a valued experience but even greater during the wilderness experience. It is no surprise to find these characteristics in the crew given the character and integrity of Brett, Julie and the Todd family.
I am more than happy to serve as a reference (and warn them about metal attracting trees).
Thank you again for such an amazing experience,
Steve Wendell
December 28, 2004
To Brett,
I just wanted to say “Thank-you” for a great week of hunting that I will always remember, and for the stories I will relive for years to come.
It was truly a memorable experience; from the camp, to the guides, the wonderful views, and “Johnny Walker”, my trustee ride back to camp each night after a long day of hunting.
Just a word about you and Wade. I appreciate everything “ya’ll” did to help me get my trophy mulie; and afterwards arranging to get the meat processed, sent to me and finding a taxidermist for the mount. You certainly went above and beyond the call of duty! I will see you at Meadow Creek Camp in 2006!
Thanks again,
Greg Hartley
B’ham, Al.
P.S. How about that shot!
October 14, 2003
K Lazy 3 Outfitters
664 Highway10 E
Big Timber, MT 59011
Dear Mr. Bret Todd
We sure had an awesome time in the Scapegoat Wilderness at Camp Creek. Everything was top notch to the ride and pack in, the camp equipment, and the animals. We saw elk herds almost every day, even though they seemed to appear across the next drainage area like they knew they were safe from us!! Got a nice long stalk on a huge mule deer till dark. Jumped another buck during the week. They sure don’t wait around. The herd I shot the elk out from, I had seen for 3 days straight. The first night, it got dark before I could get into effective range. Second night, they came out on top at dusk, while I was back down by the bottom. Finally, the last night, they were there early and back down below which allowed a fun stalk through the burn on the other side. The shot was 279 yards. But the awesome part was hearing all the bugles for those 3 evenings. Though it was a looong walk back each night to camp. Anyways, thanks again for providing us a memorable hunting experience.
Sincerely,
Michael E. Carson
An excerpt from an article from the January 2002 issue of North Country News
ELK HUNTING IN MONTANA
by Dan Zarembinski
“The trip itself was an 8 day adventure! It was a trip that I will never forget the rest of my life or should I say my rear end will never let me forget. The trip started with a 6 1/2 hour horse ride to camp to get set up for the 6-day hunt to start the next day at sunrise.
The camp (Meadow Creek) itself is located on a small creek in the valley of the mountains, where the scenery was unbelievable. The camp provided everything from hot meals to hot showers. Almost like the “Holiday Inn”. Every morning Brett (Sarge) would wake you up and let you know that the coffee is on. Once in the mess tent eating a hearty breakfast Brett would review the day’s itinerary. After breakfast we all just saddled up and went to our locations for the day. Each day the cooks prepared a great bag lunch for out in the field. The guides were always ahead of the game making sure that the horses were ready and they knew the location we were going. Upon returning at the end of the day the food was always hot and delicious. We definitely never went hungry.
The hunt results were tremendous. We shot 3 bulls; a 5 x 5, 6 x 6, and 6 x 7 for 6 hunters and had 4 other opportunities. The opening day, 2 of the 3 bulls were shot. The third bull was shot on day 3. Even with the hunting pressure at its peak every day brought opportunities for all of us. On day 3, my brother Tom who scored a 5 x 5 on the opener had a 7 x 7 broad side 20 feet from him as he lay in the fallen trees. The last opportunity came at the last minute of the hunt. That’s what I call an exciting hunt. When you can see elk from day 1 to day 6.
If you’re looking to book an elk hunting trip I highly recommend K Lazy Three. They know their elk and they have an excellent location. We will be booking with them again.”