Montana first-timer

[vandeman17]

Sounds to me like maybe some of these small first timer groups should pool together and form some larger parties. Split the research, scouting, drive time etc and maybe make some life long hunting buds in the process.

[wooltie]

We're going back to MT this year.  2017 was our first trip and we both tagged out on mulies.

The mud is no joke.  I didn't get stuck, but I would lose control of my truck going over 10 mph.

Looking to hunt a different area this year than we hunted last year.  We hunted BMA and also public land.

If you plan to hunt public land, just know about how far the road is to get onto the land -- and what's between the public land boundary and the main road.  I would be cautious about driving miles through an isolated road to get to the public land boundary.

Also--there's the idea that you'll see 10-20 4pt or better bucks a day.  I think hunters who see this many deer per day are covering a lot of ground, mostly by vehicle, and glassing.  Which is fine if that's how you want to hunt.  Just know that if you get out and hike an area you may see fewer deer than driving and glassing--that was our experience.

I'll share info if someone wants to PM.

[Dwrecknfish]

I went to MT for the first time last year and I can share a couple things with you. Mid November is definitely the time to be there. Get out and WALK. I can’t believe how many people I saw road hunting. We would get 300 yards off the road and instantly start running into animals! Couldn’t see em from the road. If hunting more open country deer like to be be on the lee ward side of the wind. Hike the opposite side hills and glass into the ravines and each one would hold usually hold deer. Temperature can VARY big time. First day last year was 1 degree without wind chill and -20 with.  The next day it warmed up to about 36 degrees but I’ve heard it can reach into the 50s too some days.

[bornhunter]

 

Sounds to me like maybe some of these small first timer groups should pool together and form some larger parties. Split the research, scouting, drive time etc and maybe make some life long hunting buds in the process.