Randazzo's Montana Elk Hunt

"Sometimes the animals aren't where you need them to be, so you need more options."

LandTrust sportsman, CJ Randazzo, recently traveled from Stillwater, MN to Bozeman, MT for an elk hunt. 

“I’ve never once had an experience where I could visit a new place for three days and in that time see so many elk and walk away with a bull.”

Elk spotted in the upper fields of the Montana Cow Company Ranch.

The native Minnesotan grew up hunting along the St. Croix river, crossing back and forth into Wisconsin with his grandfather since the age of 12. At a younger age, CJ was happy to stick close to home for hunting, but as his passion for hunting grew so did his desire for new, high-quality experiences. He traveled out to Bozeman, MT to attend college at Montana State University where he explored a whole new world of hunting and fishing. CJ started traveling a lot more for hunting, seeking out greater opportunities. Although he now lives back in Stillwater, he admits that his favorite place to travel to for hunting is definitely Montana. 

The LandTrust team was happy to welcome CJ and his two friends to our hometown of Bozeman, MT. In just a few hours, CJ was able to sign up as a sportsman, browse the various properties that offered elk hunting, book his trip and head out to the desirable location. 

“It was so quick and easy! There was no waiting around or necessary scouting. Monty checked in with us throughout the hunt to make sure things were going well and offer assistance if needed.”

CJ went out to the Montana Cow Company Ranch for a few days of hunting along the Bridger Mountain Range. He claims that the landowner, JD, was one of the nicest people he has ever met and by far one of the best landowners he’s ever encountered. 

“JD really wanted to make sure we had a great experience. He was available for any questions we had and even came out to help us pack the elk and carry it out.”

MCC Landowner, JD, happy to have visitors on the ranch. 

Comparing this LandTrust trip with his previous hunting experiences on private land, CJ says that it’s a whole different ball game. JD was busy with his own full time job of operating the ranch, but also saw the sportsmen’s visit as part of his business and wanted to deliver a high-quality trip. CJ thinks that other landowners not working through LandTrust might not take the extra step to provide hospitality. LandTrust opens more than just hunting grounds, but your network and community of hunting too. 

“There are some public lands that are great but they are typically way harder to get to and have a lot of people.”

MCC Hunting Grounds along the Bridger Range.

CJ admits that he does enjoy hunting public land too and he’s had success with it, but that a lot of it comes down to luck. If the public land is good hunting, then you’re not the only person who knows about it. LandTrust opens your options and makes it easier and less stressful to have a great time. 

“Typically, you’d have to spend a week out scouting someplace new before you could even go out and hunt the land. This makes it easier and way less time consuming.”

CJ recognizes that the cost is a huge obstacle for some people. However, he also says that everyone’s time is valued at a certain amount. The time spent researching and scouting prior to a hunt can take weeks, not to mention the time actually out there hunting. LandTrust wipes away that build-up time and lets you get straight to the experience. 

“If you’re sick of hunting with 100 other people in the woods, LandTrust gives you the feel of hunting your own private land.“

MCC Upper Fields.

CJ believes that you can’t hate it until you try it. A lot of hunters might claim they don’t enjoy hunting certain animals, but they don’t really know what it’s about until they experience it themselves. The ease in which CJ and his friends were able to explore a new area and walk away with a bull in such little time was more convenient and enjoyable than any other experience. 

“Overall, I loved everything about it”

CJ and his friends excited about their great trip!

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