Just returned from the annual MT elk trip on my "multi-season" tag.
Area A - Got into a couple of big bulls last year but couldn't close under 100 yards. This year, no elk, no sign, nothing. Bagged a couple grouse and passed on a dinker deer. Got a tip from a bear hunter, so we pick up camp and move.
Area B - Got into some animals for sure - three wolf packs and we were in the middle. Needless to say, not a bunch of screaming bulls but we did get within 50 yards of dogs on several occasions with no tags in our pockets. I've been in wolves numerous times but three distinct packs within earshot is a first. Pick up camp and move.
Area C - First for me, entire mountain range closed. The one dirt access road in was closed for culvert replacement for 10 days, we arrived at day 3 of the closure. No camp to pick up but moved.
Area D - Backup to the backup BM property, this year it was half standing corn and half baled hay. Probably not the best, but there are some really decent deer in the area and hiding behind round bales sounded like fun. We "sneak" in, have a cigar and right when it the sun starts to dip and we think it's go time the farmer shows up with a sprayer and proceeds to literally do 7 laps back and forth in the 200 yard stretch where the deer come out of the brush into the field. It's almost like it's intentional other than we've met the guy and he's super nice and it's just one of those coincidences. We did have antelope under 100 yards, glad I didn't put in for my tag this year.
Pickup camp and rack our brains for another option.
Area E - I remember a spot where I chased a nice mulie (and got chased by wolves) years ago, so we head over for lack of a better idea. Arrive, nobody hunting it but a sign on the sign in box saying it's now a draw area for bucks. Probably should have checked that before the 90 minute drive. No camp to pick up, land in the hotel hot tub which was very nice.
Food was great, got some great scenery and stars and spent quality time with my brother. We also found a banger spot to get our kids on bucks, we'll be back in November!
