Out of state hunting

[xwizard]

I'm thinking of hunting Idaho, Montana, or Wyoming for mule deer and maybe elk. Don't really care on terrain. I can use archery muzzle or modern, but leaning to modern. Would anyone want to educate me with info So I can narrow down where to go.

[Muleyslyr]

Honestly..start with google earth. Find an area that looks conducive to the type of terrain you want or are used to hunting. Go to that states website or google even and start searching for public/private and access abilities. All three of those states hold great mule deer all throughout so it will be a matter of gathering as much info of that particular area you narrowed down and just going, you will find deer. Reach out to the game dept in that district and ask questions too. Research and read everything you possibly can on units and take notes.

[Eric M]

Check out a podcast called the Hunt Backcountry podcast episodes 13 and 18 with Robby Denning. Maybe read his book and check out the Rokslide forum too. Rokslide covers a lot of western states. A lot of good tips including what to look for on Google Earth etc.

[xwizard]

Thanks, in the process of contacting fish and wildlife of these states, Google and any resources I can, will definitely need to check out rokslide.

[huntnnw]

also search around on monster muleys

[shootem]

Check out  huntinfool.com. Go to membership then magazine to get a desription of what is in the magazine. They do a state by state description of western state seasons by species and weapons. It is a little pricey but very informative particularly if you are new in the game. If you plan to apply for next fall you better get started. Deadlines come fast. Good luck.

[Karl Blanchard]

If you want to get your feet wet in the out of state game just apply for a deer tag in MT.  Tons of deer, mild to medium terrain and the rut.  Diving into Idaho without a bit of research and Mountain savvy can leave a guy frustrated.   All you need to do to kill a buck in MT is get an onx chip for your gps, fuel up your truck, and drive like 12-18 hrs. 

[Hot Lunch]

I did Montana for mule deer and Idaho for archery elk. I spent a lot of time talking to hunters, biologists and searching forums. There is also a lot of free harvest data including success rates online on state websites. I missed a 6x bull and rag horn in idaho and killed a very nice 4x4 in Montana on a very short hunt there was deer everywhere. Great hunts with over the counter tags and I am headed back to both places in 2017. Looking at adding Antelope in Wymoning, I need something to research this off season.

[xwizard]

Really liking the thought of Montana, my uncle said he might want to partner up if I do Idaho, if I read right Idaho doesn't refund if you don't get picked for a permit, is that correct? If you don't get the permit do you automatically get to hunt general season? Here season has just ended and already getting excited about next year. Hey, thanks every one for your info.

[Mr Mykiss]

Thanks, in the process of contacting fish and wildlife of these states, Google and any resources I can, will definitely need to check out rokslide.

Just outta curiosity, what do you ask the fish and game departments when you call em?

[Camo]

Thanks, in the process of contacting fish and wildlife of these states, Google and any resources I can, will definitely need to check out rokslide.

Just outta curiosity, what do you ask the fish and game departments when you call em?

I usually ask for a biologist. I try to have very specific questions initially, with a hunt plan(at this point you should still be able to make changes based off good intel), implying I have done some research. Herd stability, carrying capacity, basic stuff that is what they specialize in. In the hopes that you have caught them at a time when they are willing to talk. This is when the "open ended" questions come out. Sometimes they are very willing to talk, other times, not so much. I have had some really great conversations with some of these guys if I am able to "come across the right way". Disclaimer: My success rate does not support this as good advise.

[Hot Lunch]

Thanks, in the process of contacting fish and wildlife of these states, Google and any resources I can, will definitely need to check out rokslide.

Just outta curiosity, what do you ask the fish and game departments when you call em?

Just ask for general wildlife information including surveys road kills, popular hunt areas, burns, etc. One thing to research for is ATV use, Idaho has them every where and if you are in an area and dont have one you will never want to relive that experience. 

[theleo]

Really liking the thought of Montana, my uncle said he might want to partner up if I do Idaho, if I read right Idaho doesn't refund if you don't get picked for a permit, is that correct? If you don't get the permit do you automatically get to hunt general season? Here season has just ended and already getting excited about next year. Hey, thanks every one for your info.

For Idaho you buy your hunting license ($154.75) then apply for the tag you want ($14.75/application). If you don't get drawn you can cut your losses there or buy a tag ($301.75) and hunt the general seasons. If you get drawn you can pay for the tag for that hunt ($301.75) and get an extra tag ($301.75) for the general seasons so you can do both.