By far, the most popular unit with hunters was the 410-20, where in 2018 as many as 5099 hunters competed for only 150 permits, with success rate a meagre 2.92%. Area 100, in particular, is a gem that requires seniority in the draw, at least for nonresident hunters. Western Washington provides lots of OTC hunting for Roosevelt bull elk, but hunters looking to target a mature Rocky Mountain bull must enter the draw, with just one exception. ): Beaverhead Zone. A general tag allows you to hunt either sex elk (this is one of those convoluted units; there is a section of the unit that doesnt allow bull elk to be harvested, but this is off the LO Ranch property that holds the Montana elk hunting lease). North Elk Ridge: A good area for elk, timbered North slopes, aspen stands, limited clearings for glassing, camping, nice roads, several different draws, canyons and mesa tops to hunt. Eggeman said the hunt is far from a slam dunk, but certainly offers a higher percentage of success for youth than hunting on a general license. So the elk harvested give an idea about the quality of the district, but we just dont know exactly which season all the elk were taken. You can see this unit allowed mature bulls to be taken with the drawn elk permits (252 B.T. I think right or wrong with this tag and others, all it takes is one or two whopper bulls to be harvested and then hysteria kicks in a little bit, Lonner said.
Snowy Mountains elk herd 800% over population shows Montana's challenge Messages.
Montana Elk Hunting 2023 | Draw Odds, Tags, Season Info, Deadlines, and Finally, start planning out your Montana elk hunt. Broken down, this consisted of 736 bulls, 641 cows and 57 calves. These giants can weigh in excess of a thousand pounds. The Snowy Mountains arent quite as impressive as some of the nearby ranges, but they still jut up from the prairie in sharp contrast to the surrounding landscape. Helena hunter Joe Cohenour was one of those lucky hunters in 2017. Elk population trend counts (Figure 1) indicate that elk numbers are within elk plan objectives, with the exception of HD 328, where the objective for elk counted is 700 elk and we observed 919 elk in 2003. . Our draw operates on a bonus-point system where every bonus point gives the hunter an extra chance at a low random number in the draw. Both (or in Montana also Bull/Buck Combo)? Discovering the Best Elk Units in Montana Montana is divided into seven regions. Elk hunting terminology is confusing. Well see what makes them amazing, and how you can use that information to maximize your elk hunt to make it safe and productive, as well as memorable and enjoyable. Scott Sery is a copywriter and outdoor enthusiast living in Billings, Montana with his wife and son. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. There were a few HDs that I ignored because no elk were harvested there. Similar Nearby Elk Units. With room to spread out, its important to know how the elk tend to migrate around through the area. Hike to good vantage points away from rds and put your optics to use. In addition to the following hunting forecast, FWP provides online information about hunting access, including our popular Block Management Program. Table 3 shows the top 25 HDs (ranked by Bull Elk; (Brow-tined Bull Elk) in General License Elk HDs that allow the take of Mature Bull Elk (Brow-tined Bull Elk, Brow-tined Bull or Antlerless Elk or Either Sex Elk). The proposal received mixed public feedback and it was not until 2005 and following extensive work by a volunteer citizen-advisory council, Cunningham said that FWP advanced a four-permit hunt in the management area. In previous posts I have ranked the archery and rifle hunt districts (aka hunt units) for the General Elk seasons for various western states. Bull Elk = Brow-tined Bull Elk. Its also a difficult area to draw a tag, as success rates dip below 1% for non-resident hunters. The first thing you should notice from Table 2 is how the top 25 HDs are dominated by Regions 3 and 4. Some of the OTC units are open year-round, although it's important to note that the definition of a legal elk changes. Personally, I like the option to hunt any elk (or either sex elk), but many folks are more interested in hunting mature bulls. The Elk Plan objective is "a small elk population" Access points, trailheads, campsites, Roadless and Wilderness Areas. amzn_assoc_linkid = "901a322b918da3ba1b617377af67f110"; We hunted for cows in Wyoming last year and I did struggle with the elevations of 8500 and above.
PDF Montana 2021 Elk Counts How To Choose The Best Place To Hunt Elk In Montana On A General Region 3 has the highest elk population and, consequently, the highest number of hunters. Not all private land hunts are like shooting cows in the pasture. Some riparian habitat exists along the famed Green River corridor. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Since hunting pressure is very regulated, a pre-hunt scouting trip can be productive and a great way to locate bulls to hunt. There's one walk-in hunting parcel in the northern section, and the remainder of public access is on BLM lands. Back in 2020, there were 345 bull elk harvested from this district; 55% of those bulls were 6-points or larger. Hunting elk in Montana is an exciting experience. Hunting District 632 or The Pines as many call it is home to a low-density elk herd but plenty of big bulls due to limited hunting. The lower the random number, the better your draw position. amzn_assoc_asins = "194649402X,B008RM7BG4,0783499078,B014QN4XUO"; I get lots of questions from non-resident elk hunters asking about the Utah General Elk, I wrote the DIY Elk Hunting Guide for anyone who wants to do a DIY, It was the third day of the 2014 General Elk Hunt. Elk spotted at Black Ranch near Bozeman, MT. Non-resident hunters must apply for their general tags before the April 1st deadline. Here, elevations range from 2,200 to 9,200 feet. And many of them are open to either sex elk, or designated as brow-tined bull or antlerless elk (well get into what that means soon). 3,051. drwbuckshot said: Hey everyone, I've got 4 points built up for an elk permit in Montana as a non-resident. It can be t-shirt weather one day, with the night dipping below zero and a snowstorm moving in. For those who do draw the permit, harvesting a mature bull is a good possibility, with the majority of tooth samples received by FWP in the 7- to 8-year-old range, biologist Adam Grove said. LO Ranch Heading toward Northwest Montana, the mountains give way. The Centennial State has more than 100 OTC GMUs available for nonresident hunters, and selecting the best from that lengthy list would be difficult. Archery Elk Best hunts. Performance & security by Cloudflare. Units with a BA percent or higher success rate on antlered Were getting way ahead of ourselves on the elk hunt. For quite a few years it has been one of the top producing areas for the sheer quantity of elk harvested; 700 elk were harvested in 2020 (the last year statistics were available). This is grizzly country. Darron McDougal. The state has just 1.07 million residents, concentrated in population centers like Billings, Missoula and Great Falls.
Montana's Best Hidden Gem for Elk and Deer Hunting Several other general season units had 10 to 20% success rates across different seasons and weapon types. The Greater Gila herd has a population estimate of 21,000 to 23,000 elk, and a 34-to-100 bull-to-cow ratio. Other districts are divided further depending on your location relative to a stream, river, or road. The Scappoose Unit, Dion continued, is a strong contender. Nevada grows big bulls because it doesn't offer nonresidents OTC bull tags. For those who draw the permit, Grove said an average of 60% successfully harvest an animal. There have been many hunters, with amazing shooting abilities, that have put 2 or 3 bullets into the vital organs before their bull fell. Removing that many bull elk also effects the Total Elk estimate.
Now that youre thoroughly confused, well take a look at a few of the best hunting units around the state. Different HDs in Montana allow hunters to take seven different combinations of age/sex/antlered/antlerless elk with General Elk Licenses during rifle seasons (see Table 1) and has five different combinations for archery hunters. The muzzleloader season has one permit available to out-of-staters. The same is true for those interested in hunting archery seasons. So anyone planning a DIY public land elk hunt for 2019 needs to apply by March 15, 2019. Public access also tends to be limited.
Montana 410 Archery | Rokslide Forum That large body also means when its time to harvest your animal, and get the meat back to your truck to have it processed, you have to put in a bit of work. The biggest tip when hunting elk in Montana: enjoy your time. The state's northwest corner has long been a storied trophy area that encompasses GMUs 1, 2 and 201. The herd is also currently below population objective, but bull-to-cow ratios are within objective. When you review the regulations, youre going to get into a lot of numbers, letters, and often straight-up confusing terms. Focus on those with success rates of up to and over 20%. Each state handles things a bit differently, and wait times can be up to 20 years or longer for the most sought-after units. The unit, which is 70% public land, is dominated by the northern portion of the Umatilla National Forest, Dion noted. That shift is another major factor in the Gallatins drop in elk numbers, she said. One unit worth considering is the Owyhee Unit. Some units are brow-tined bull only, meaning you cant shoot cow elk, spike elk, or forked antler elk. Along with wolf harvest, Cunningham said, limited elk hunting has helped stabilize and perhaps even allow for wintering elk populations to increase in the Gallatin elk herd.
The 10,045 hunters who entered the drawing for 135 permits in 2018 faced a paltry 1.34% chance to hunt the island range south of Helena. Best States for Elk Hunting June 22, 2023 onX What makes any state stand out for hunting are its opportunities for residents and non-residents alike, along with the quality and health of the animals you're pursuing. In 1987, citing low numbers of branch-antlered bulls, FWP instituted a spike-only season with a general license. But we also offer numerous quality controlled-hunt opportunities across the state. The terrain and pine forest offer some security for elk and other big game, but access is not a major hurdle for hunters. Montana. In areas like District 380, anticipate private crop and range land in the lower elevations, then lodgepole and mixed conifer forests in the mid-to-high elevations, with alpine at the top, Lemon said. Interestingly, Idaho doesn't fuss with any sort of point system for its controlled hunts. When it comes purely to the number of hunters applying for an elk permit the Elkhorn Mountains are far and away tops in the state of Montana. Here's a primer on the best areas where over-the-counter (OTC) elk tags are easy to come by, terrain is harsh enough to allow bulls to grow big and hunting pressure remains fairly low. Read the Article MyFWP Have you set up your MyFWP account? Access isn't an issue, with the area being approximately 71% public. Breaking free from society, he enjoys rock and ice climbing, caving, backpacking, hunting, fishing, and all around loving what Montana has to offer. Just south, into the 701, the herds thin out, but the tags are easier to come by. The east side of the range is home large herds of elk that contain a significant number of really big bulls. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; In 2018, 438 hunters applied for 10 permits a success of 2.28% and the draw odds have never surpassed 3.5%, Henry said. DIY elk hunting is a journey, not an event and not a destination. But an applicant with zero or very few bonus points still has a chance to draw a tag. WDFW offers branch-antlered Rocky Mountain bull harvest in units with high elk densities through elk special permits, Garrison told me. Black Ranch | Reeseplace - Gallatin Gateway, MT. One unit, many units, all units? Applicants should secure access before applying. OTC hunters are encouraged to review WDFW hunting prospects and elk-harvest reports to select a unit that meets their desired criteria for total harvest, success rates and hunter numbers, Garrison said. | Click Items for more Info"; Where Can I Hunt Elk In Montana On Public Land? Click to reveal This district pushes close to the Missouri Breaks, an area rumored to contain the largest bull elk and buck deer to have ever walked the state. C O Y L E. 36 SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2017 FWP.MT.GOV/MTOUTDOORS . GMU 16 A-E is part of the Greater Gila herd, along with GMU 15. Mature Bulls Elk? It's no secret that the Beehive State ranks high for trophy potential. The decision of where to hunt has been made or is left up to them as your local guide.
MT FWP Hunt Planner - Montana FWP Although the Wenaha Unit takes many years to draw, hunters will be treated to abundant public lands. For nonresidents, it requires 12 preference points for just a 15% chance of drawing. Table 2 Top 25 Montana Hunt Districts - Total General Elk Harvest - Rifle. Should you build enough points to draw GMU 201, 300-plus-inch bulls are very common, with some measuring much, much larger. FWP manages the WMA for public hunting opportunities as well as big game winter range. Realtree is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience to everyone, including those with disabilities. Butting up to thousands more acres of state and federal lands, the elk herd that you are after might take you for miles through pristine woods and peaceful meadows. About five years later the permit returned to include the WMA, allowing hunters the choice of hunting public or private lands, Lonner said. These are areas where elk haven't traditionally occurred, and we don't want elk expanding into them. Public lands make up more than 90% of the unit. Some years we have rag horns all the way up to 15-year-old bulls, but most of them are in that 6- to 11-year-old range.. Table 1 shows the number of HDs with each Age/Sex Combination elk hunters can legally take with General Elk Licenses. Montana has long been a popular elk destination. If elk numbers and a high success rate interest you, GMU 4, which encompasses parts of Moffat and Routt Counties, is a worthwhile contender. The methods I used to rank Montanas Hunt Districts (HDs) are as follows. The depletion of Montana's wildlife, including the noticeable decline of elk herds on the landscape, during the 1800's and early 1900's inspired the beginning of Montana's conservation movement during the first half of the 20th Century.
Tough Tags: Montana's 5 hardest elk permits to draw Due to the high harvest, we may see a lower bull to cow ratio during the 2023 season in the general areas. 2/3 of the bulls harvested were 6-point bulls or larger. I was also looking specifically at rifle seasons, but each of the tables (Tables 2, 3 & 4) show the percent of elk harvested by rifle (or Any Legal Weapon) vs archery.
Elk | Montana FWP If you just want to kill a general-season elk, the spike-only Wasatch Mountains and Central Mountains units can be very good, with access via the Uinta National Forest and Manti-La Sal National Forest. Your IP: The elk population in 410 is great. But with solid ground work its a good 330+ rifle tag. At about 67,000 acres, the Blackfoot-Clearwater Wildlife Management Area near Ovando is on the small side when it comes to hunting districts. Our best OTC bull tag, said Justin Dion, an assistant wildlife biologist with Oregon's Department of Fish and Wildlife, is the 1st Coast General Rifle [any legal weapon] Season. Hunting unit 411 captures the northern part of these mountains and the surrounding foothills. Terrain in the trophy-managed units is higher in elevation and typically mountainous with deep canyons. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; I have hunted and even killed elk on public that you could probably get your 75 year old father to. Some OTC units have license quotas available on a first-come-first-served basis starting December 1. As evidenced by his meeting last year at the check station with the young hunter who drew the tag and her father, they were both thrilled with the 6x6 bull she harvested and the opportunity the tag offered, he said. This district has ample trophy-bull opportunities and an abundance of public lands. Instead, its a matter of quartering it, removing as much meat as possible, throwing it into a game pack, and hiking out with hundreds of pounds of wild game on your back, and then going back for a second trip. I think over time its been a great opportunity and a special hunt.. Their experiences, stories and adventures are truly phenomenal. The Blackfoot-Clearwater Wildlife Management Area near Ovando is highlighted in red. If theGeneral License in a HD only allows Antlerless Elk to be harvested, I removed all bull elk from the harvest. Prepare yourself for all sorts of weather. The Snowy Mountains aren't quite as impressive as some of the nearby ranges, but they still jut up from the prairie in sharp contrast to the surrounding landscape. Moving to the east through the state, the herds become less dense and farther apart. Two any-legal-weapon hunts also have two nonresident permits each.
POOR MAN'S HUNTING GUIDE: DIY HUNTING TIPS FOR ELK - Montana Decoy amzn_assoc_region = "US"; All of the regions, however, have their pros and their cons. You can also subscribe without commenting.
Practical scouting strategies for elk: Part 1 - GOHUNT There are so many elk on this side of the state that on most years about half of the elk harvest in Montana comes just from Region 3. 10 Looking for a reasonable chance to see a couple cow elk on public ground for myself and my son. Nevada elk hunters typically have no trouble finding land to hunt when they draw a coveted tag. For someone interested only in hunting mature bulls, you should also look at HDs 312 & 445 because over 70% of the bell elk taken in these HDs were 6 points or better and HDs 393, 314, 390 and 311 had over 60% of the bull elk with at least 6 points. You can unsubscribe at any time. Permit Needed A general elk tag is easy to buy over-the-counter, for residents. Some of the areas in the western half of the state are teeming with elk, with many of them hidden amongst the old-growth evergreen forests. The entire ranch is accessible for your elk hunt, but the hunt doesnt have to stop at the ranch boundaries.
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