Experienced Pennsylvania Elk Guides

Meet the team behind PA Backcountry Outfitters and the experience, local knowledge and hunting backgrounds they bring to your Pennsylvania elk hunt.

Meet Your Pennsylvania Elk Guide Team

Drawing a 2026 Pennsylvania elk tag can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. PA Backcountry Outfitters brings together experienced Pennsylvania elk guides, successful elk hunters and lifelong outdoorsmen with the preparation and local knowledge needed to help make that opportunity count.

PA Backcountry Outfitters can guide hunters throughout Pennsylvania elk country based on the zone awarded to the hunter. Our team develops each hunt around the specific tag, season, hunt zone and conditions involved.

Pennsylvania Game Commission Commercial Elk Guide Permit

PA Backcountry Outfitters operates under a Pennsylvania Game Commission Commercial Elk Guide Special Permit issued to owner Matthew A. Lutz for commercial elk guiding in Pennsylvania.

The permit identifies Back Country Outfitters as the business and elk as the authorized species, providing hunters with a clear, documented professional guiding credential.

Pennsylvania Game Commission Commercial Elk Guide permit for PA Backcountry Outfitters
Dean Carper senior Pennsylvania elk guide with PA Backcountry Outfitters

Dean Carper

Senior Pennsylvania Elk Guide

Dean Carper is the senior guide on the PA Backcountry Outfitters team and has been professionally guiding Pennsylvania elk hunters since 2010.

During his guiding career, Dean has been involved in approximately 45 successful Pennsylvania elk hunts. His experience includes scouting, locating elk, reading elk behavior, judging mature bulls and helping hunters navigate Pennsylvania elk country.

  • Professionally guiding Pennsylvania elk since 2010
  • Experience on approximately 45 successful Pennsylvania elk hunts
  • Particularly strong knowledge of Pennsylvania elk zones 306, 307 and 308
  • Experienced in elk scouting and mature bull judging
  • Experience guiding successful record-book Pennsylvania elk hunts
  • Experienced Western big-game hunter

His outdoor background also includes shed hunting, turkey hunting, coyote hunting and fishing.

Dean Carper's Pennsylvania Elk Guiding History

Dean Carper began professionally guiding Pennsylvania elk hunters in 2010. From 2010 through 2025, Dean guided with Trophy Rack Lodge, building extensive firsthand experience in Pennsylvania elk country before joining PA Backcountry Outfitters as Senior Guide.

Over that period and throughout his professional guiding career, Dean has been involved in approximately 45 successful Pennsylvania elk hunts. His work has included preseason scouting, locating elk, evaluating mature bulls, tracking, recovery and helping hunters navigate the challenges of Pennsylvania elk hunting.

Although PA Backcountry Outfitters can guide hunters throughout Pennsylvania elk country based on the zone awarded, Dean has particularly strong experience and local knowledge in Pennsylvania elk zones 306, 307 and 308. He has spent years developing knowledge of elk movement, habitat, access and hunting conditions within those areas.

Through his years guiding Pennsylvania elk hunters, Dean has developed strong working relationships with landowners and Pennsylvania Game Commission personnel throughout Pennsylvania elk country. PA Backcountry Outfitters also supports the Keystone Elk Country Alliance and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

His professional guiding history has also been documented through successful Pennsylvania elk hunts covered by outside hunting publications and news sources, providing a long-standing record of his experience before his current role with PA Backcountry Outfitters.

Matt Lutz owner and Pennsylvania elk guide with PA Backcountry Outfitters

Matt Lutz

Owner / Pennsylvania Elk Guide

Matt Lutz is an owner of PA Backcountry Outfitters and brings approximately 10 years of Pennsylvania elk guiding experience to the team.

Matt has been involved in approximately 30 successful bull and cow elk harvests and has developed strong knowledge of Pennsylvania elk zones, elk behavior, preseason scouting and judging mature bulls.

  • Approximately 10 years of Pennsylvania elk guiding experience
  • Involved in approximately 30 successful bull and cow elk harvests
  • Guided David Kammerdiener's 2022 Dagger Bull hunt
  • Knowledge of Pennsylvania elk zones and elk judging
  • Experienced archery hunter and outdoorsman

Matt helps lead PA Backcountry Outfitters alongside Madyson Carper and works directly with hunters in preparation for their Pennsylvania elk hunt.

Madyson Carper owner and Pennsylvania elk guide with PA Backcountry Outfitters

Madyson Carper

Owner / Pennsylvania Elk Guide

Madyson Carper is an owner of PA Backcountry Outfitters and plays an important role both in the field and behind the scenes for the hunters who come to camp.

Madyson is an archery hunter and outdoorswoman who has participated in multiple guided bull and cow elk hunts.

  • Owner of PA Backcountry Outfitters
  • Female Pennsylvania elk guide
  • Experienced archery hunter
  • Experience on guided bull and cow elk hunts
  • Elk shed hunter
  • Hunter coordination, lodging and meals

Together with her fiance and fellow owner Matt Lutz, Madyson helps make sure hunters are taken care of before, during and after their Pennsylvania elk hunting experience.

Clinton Craft guide with PA Backcountry Outfitters

Clinton Craft

Guide / Hunter / Fisherman / Trapper

Clinton Craft brings more than four decades of outdoor experience to PA Backcountry Outfitters.

With 44 years of hunting, fishing and trapping experience, Clinton has pursued big game across the United States and Canada and brings a wide range of field experience to the guide team.

  • 44 years of hunting, fishing and trapping experience
  • Big-game hunting experience in 10 states
  • Successful big-game hunting experience in Canada
  • Experienced hunter, fisherman and trapper
  • Committed to safe and successful hunts

His experience across different terrain, game species and hunting conditions adds another layer of depth to the PA Backcountry Outfitters team.

Dylan Craft Pennsylvania elk hunter and guide with PA Backcountry Outfitters

Dylan Craft

Guide / Elk Hunter / Outdoorsman

Dylan Craft brings firsthand Pennsylvania elk hunting experience to the PA Backcountry Outfitters guide team.

As a previous Pennsylvania bull elk tag holder, Dylan successfully harvested his own Pennsylvania bull and understands exactly what a rare opportunity a Pennsylvania elk tag can represent.

  • Previous Pennsylvania-drawn bull elk hunter
  • Successfully harvested a Pennsylvania bull elk
  • Extensive hunting and fishing background
  • Experienced Western big-game hunter
  • Hunting experience throughout the country

That firsthand experience gives Dylan a unique perspective when helping another hunter prepare for and experience their own Pennsylvania elk hunt.

Alan Gruver Pennsylvania elk guide with PA Backcountry Outfitters

Alan Gruver

Pennsylvania Elk Guide / Elk Hunter / Outdoorsman

Alan Gruver brings firsthand Pennsylvania elk hunting experience to the PA Backcountry Outfitters guide team.

As a previous Pennsylvania bull elk tag holder, Alan successfully harvested his own Pennsylvania bull and understands the preparation, pressure and opportunity that come with drawing a Pennsylvania elk tag.

  • Previous Pennsylvania-drawn bull elk hunter
  • Successfully harvested a Pennsylvania bull elk
  • Firsthand Pennsylvania elk hunting experience
  • Experienced outdoorsman and big-game hunter
  • Focused on helping hunters make the most of their Pennsylvania elk opportunity

That firsthand experience gives Alan a valuable perspective when helping another hunter prepare for and experience a Pennsylvania elk hunt.

Kenny Myers Pennsylvania elk guide with PA Backcountry Outfitters

Kenny Myers

Pennsylvania Elk Guide / Big-Game Hunter / Outdoorsman

Kenny Myers brings multiple years of elk guiding experience and a broad big-game hunting background to the PA Backcountry Outfitters guide team.

His experience includes elk hunting and guiding, successful elk harvests and time spent hunting big game in different parts of the country.

  • Multiple years of elk guiding experience
  • Experience with successful elk harvests
  • Knowledge of Pennsylvania elk country and hunt zones
  • Experienced big-game hunter
  • Broad hunting experience in different terrain and conditions

Kenny adds another experienced elk hunter and guide to a team built around preparation, local knowledge and helping Pennsylvania elk hunters make the most of a rare opportunity.

What Pennsylvania Elk Hunters Say

Real Google reviews from hunters and guests who have experienced PA Backcountry Outfitters and our Pennsylvania elk guide team.

★★★★★

Ryan Pearce

I hired Backcountry Outfitters for the second week of the archery season. Matt, Dean, and the gang had us on good bulls immediately which was especially impressive being I gave them a whopping 24 hour notice that I was coming on board. We chased them for 8 days and harvested one as the season neared it's end. These guys are some ridge pounders, and will go to great lengths to make it happen. They're a great group of guys that made it feel like I was hunting with a couple of old buddies.

Google Review - 5 Stars
★★★★★

Mike

I've known Dean for years and have seen firsthand how seriously he takes Pennsylvania elk hunting. For Dean, this isn't something that starts when elk season opens. He spends the entire year learning the elk, scouting the country, building relationships with landowners and preparing for the hunters he guides.

What impresses me most is his work ethic and the way he approaches a hunt. Dean wants his hunters to experience a real Pennsylvania elk hunt - getting into elk country, putting in the work and earning the opportunity - not simply driving roads looking for an easy shot. His knowledge of Pennsylvania elk country is incredible, and his ethics and respect for the animals and the hunt are second to none.

Anyone fortunate enough to draw a Pennsylvania elk tag would be in very capable hands with Dean and PA Backcountry Outfitters.

Google Review - 5 Stars
★★★★★

Jess Martell

Beautiful lodging, some of the friendliest guides around. The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and know the area like the back of their hand, making the whole experience even more enjoyable. You couldn't ask for a better place to stay or better guides.

Google Review - 5 Stars
★★★★★

Dave Kammerdiener

I drew a Bull tag a couple of years ago and booked with a outfitter that Matt Lutz was a guide for I had met with Matt a couple of times before my Hunt he would send me pictures of some of the bulls that he had been getting on trail cameras and had been telling me area's that we were more than likely going to hunt the first few days that there's been a 400+bull frequently showed up the first day we had 2 encounters with him but couldn't get the right distance on him Matt said that we're going to stick with the area for the week we hunted hard for 4 days looking for him I had several other bull's I passed on thankfully I did on the 5th Day of the hunt with the last few minutes of the day diminishing Matt called the bull into range which turned out to be the pa record archery bull Matt and I are good friends yet we meet up a couple of times a year and while I was on my hunt I also met Madyson and her father Dean they are all just like long time friends now very nice people

Google Review - 5 Stars
★★★★★

Dylan Craft

Very comfortable lodge and awesome hospitality. I hunted Guides dean and matt and it was very apparent from the start they were extremely knowledgeable. They helped me fill a tag on a awesome PA bull elk!

Google Review - 5 Stars
★★★★★

Zoe Mcgonigal

Great people, very friendly and welcoming. Great place to lodge and they know the area very well!

Google Review - 5 Stars
★★★★★

Michael

World-class guides - even better people.

From the very beginning, it was clear that this crew is focused, dedicated, and genuinely committed to their clients. They are the kind of people you immediately feel comfortable around - and the kind of people you want in your corner when conditions get tough and things don't go according to plan. Their effort, enthusiasm, and commitment are genuine, and that is what makes the experience special.

Their knowledge and experience with Pennsylvania elk is second to none, and their track record speaks for itself. Anyone can have a plan when the weather is perfect and the elk cooperate. What impressed me most was their ability to adapt. In a world full of unpredictable variables, they always had a Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C - and the experience to know when it was time to make the adjustment.

There is no substitute for time in the field, local knowledge, and a true understanding of elk behavior - and these guys have all three in abundance. They work hard, think ahead, and stay focused on putting their clients in the best possible position for success.

Great people. Exceptional guides. Relentless effort. Unmatched knowledge.

Google Review - 5 Stars

A Pennsylvania Elk Hunt Deserves an Experienced Team

A Pennsylvania elk tag can represent years of applications and a once-in-a-lifetime hunting opportunity. PA Backcountry Outfitters combines professional elk guiding experience, firsthand Pennsylvania elk hunting success, preseason scouting, local knowledge, elk judging and decades of outdoor experience to help hunters make the most of that opportunity.

Our guide service is available throughout Pennsylvania elk country based on the zone awarded to each hunter, with particularly strong guide experience and local knowledge in zones 306, 307 and 308.

Did You Draw a Pennsylvania Elk Tag?

Talk with PA Backcountry Outfitters about your zone, your season and your hunt. We can guide hunters throughout Pennsylvania elk country based on the zone awarded.

Contact PA Backcountry Outfitters