Hunting & Fishing Montana Elk Guidance

[VSki]

I am heading to MT for an elk hunt this year and would be interested to hear from anyone in the state what district / area you would recommend.

I am more interested in a difficult backpacking and outdoor experience rather than an easy hunt with monster elk. I’ll be using a general season tag and am not planning to submit for a permit.

 

[MOUNTIC]

Head on over to Rokslide. These questions come up daily. I would think looking at their parks and wildlife website their will be a guide to hunting in the state with Harvest numbers and populations. Even success rates most likely. Then pick a unit and go scout for a few months before the season to get to know the area.

Their are big elk in even the worst units in every state. Just put some time in the woods. Nothing is better then getting your own boots on the ground data. E-scout if you have to. Find a place in the middle of no where with no roads and crap access. You will find elk. If there is a big trail head that looks like good access, just dont even go there. Everyone else sees the same thing and will be there also. So find the darkest no access spot on the map and go there. You will find elk. Won't be easy, but it's what it takes.

Best of luck. You will have fun no matter what.

 

[shields shtr]

I am more interested in a difficult backpacking and outdoor experience rather than an easy hunt with monster elk

If this is your goal, then you have the right mindset for a successful experience. There are a couple of gigantic wilderness areas in MT with as much roadless country as you could wander in a lifetime. Generally low elk densities, plenty of grizzly bears and wolves, and scenery out the wazoo.

 

[Choid]

The west is slammed with predators right now. This year was the worst I’ve seen. East is ugly country but more elk these days.

 

[VSki]

If this is your goal, then you have the right mindset for a successful experience. There are a couple of gigantic wilderness areas in MT with as much roadless country as you could wander in a lifetime. Generally low elk densities, plenty of grizzly bears and wolves, and scenery out the wazoo.

Head on over to Rokslide. These questions come up daily. I would think looking at their parks and wildlife website their will be a guide to hunting in the state with Harvest numbers and populations. Even success rates most likely. Then pick a unit and go scout for a few months before the season to get to know the area.

Their are big elk in even the worst units in every state. Just put some time in the woods. Nothing is better then getting your own boots on the ground data. E-scout if you have to. Find a place in the middle of no where with no roads and crap access. You will find elk. If there is a big trail head that looks like good access, just dont even go there. Everyone else sees the same thing and will be there also. So find the darkest no access spot on the map and go there. You will find elk. Won't be easy, but it's what it takes.

Best of luck. You will have fun no matter what.

I’ll be sure to check our rockslide. I’ve been going through each district and making an excel spreadsheet as well as e-scouting the maps. I appreciate your advice because I would have approached the data in the wrong way. I really like the ‘no access’ crap area with ‘no elk’ approach. For a $50 tag maybe I’ll come home with a wolf instead.

 

[VSki]

The west is slammed with predators right now. This year was the worst I’ve seen. East is ugly country but more elk these days.

I live in OH and actually haven’t thought to check East, but I definitely will for next year. Thanks!

 

[skierhs]

I live in MT. I won’t give you units but if you have questions about a specific unit or griz/wolf issues feel free to reach out.

 

[VSki]

Will do.

 

[Choid]

I live in OH and actually haven’t thought to check East, but I definitely will for next year. Thanks!

Sorry, I meant Western Montana has a really bad predator problem compared to Eastern Montana, but Western Montana is far more beautiful to hunt.

 

[VSki]

Sorry, I meant Western Montana has a really bad predator problem compared to Eastern Montana, but Western Montana is far more beautiful to hunt.

That makes a lot more sense!