This year, dad and I decided to do an out of state hunt. We chose the bridger canyon as we could secure permission for 1280 acres of private land that backs up to national forest. Blindly into this we go. Day one went by without seeing an elk while hunting some gorgeous country.
Day two, goose eggs again on our private land. Head over to a couple of national forest access points. Looked like a friggin pumpkin patch. Every turnout had at least one rig parked in it. After about 3 miles we turned around. Temps were approaching 60 degrees at 6500'. Not good for getting elk to move downslope from the high country.
Day 3 brought more of the same. 57 degrees and no elk. We decide to take a drive and see if we can find other access in from a landowner. No dice. These areas are locked up tight. After a little more driving we head up towards Fairy lake. This is where we find a young couple hiking down the snow covered road. Seems they got stuck and asked for help. After an hour of digging and yanking, their rig is free and we are on our way. We head back to our high viewing area and look over the private ground. ELK!!! Finally, 11 of them headed our way. We beat feet up the hill and get into position. One 5x5 bull and his girls are headed our way. At 5:25 pm, they are 800 yards away. We put them to bed and head out.
Today, head up the hill to where we think the herd should be. Drop down in the draw and find their beds. Next to the beds is a torn up track of them headed out of our area. 50yards uphill is a FRESH deer kill. Just the right front leg but the whole leg, shoulder and all, stripped clean of any meat. Elk booked out of the area.
So here i am, sitting in a motel in Ritzville, having a drink and pondering what to do next. I cant believe how little area Montana has to offer for public hunting. I don't think I will bash Wa again on that point. Montana is beautiful and all, but we only laid eyes on one group of elk in 4 1/2 days hunting. The weather was horrible, 55-60 everyday. The elk weren't moving. The landowners dont allow anyone on their property so once the herd finds a field, no one there to push them off. Here is a pic of the area, looks elky dont it?
