It has been nearly 25 years since I have been elk hunting in Montana. Buddy of mine lives near Helena but gave up the rifle a few years ago. Now he just bowhunts for elk. He got frustrated with other hunters and is discouraging me from a rifle hunt. If I am not looking for a trophy; just a decent chance at horns and a week without being overrun by pickup truck hunters, can anyone give me some areas to consider?
Private land.
Or a wilderness area, where instead of pickup hunters you will be run over by horsey hunters.
If I am not looking for a trophy; just a decent chance at horns and a week without being overrun by pickup truck hunters
Buy some small antlers, and put in for a cow tag. Much easier.
Pretty sure that if someone knows a place where there is a decent chance at an elk and not over run with hunters, they probably aren't going to disclose the place on a nationwide forum. And, if they DID, it probably WOULD be overrun with hunters by next year.
That said, if you were to come during the second and third week, and hunt during the week, hunting pressure wouldn't be too bad. Hike in a mile or so and hunting pressure in many places, during the week won't be terrible.
There's good elk hunting in a lot of Montana. Use your legs. It isn't hard to lose the casual elk hunters and be by yourself. mtmuley
Bad way to put the question I guess. Areas that I used to hunt and am still familiar with now have a healthy wolf population and so I am most likely going to have to hunt an area I am unfamiliar with. Maybe I should have asked if someone could discuss elk population densities in the various areas of the state. I plan on doing some scouting this Summer and possibly mix in a few days bowhunting but am still up in the air as to where I will begin.
Elk hunting in Montana this year for a change in unit 316,absaroka beartooth wilderness with Black Mtn Outfitters.
Been with them before in 2000 but not recently. Excellent trip then.
Anyone have any updates, or hunted in the region recently?
I have heard the wolves/bears have taken a toll, but they consistently produce over 60% with opportunities at about 75-80%.
Any comments?
thanks
MM