montana questions?

[jstamp]

I am heading over to eastern montana deer hunting nov 19-29. I don't need any advice on where to hunt, just wondering if someone could let me know what the roads, and weather is like that time of year. I figured it probably will be cold, but a temperature range would help. We will be in the Fort Peck area. thanks

[bow-n-head]

It could be anywhere fron 80 to -10, but probably in the 50's if it rains don't plan on getting around in the gumbo.

[jstamp]

It could be anywhere fron 80 to -10, but probably in the 50's if it rains don't plan on getting around in the gumbo.

That's what i hear. Don't even waste your time if it's raining. Does that area get much snow? And I hear the wind blows constantly over there?

[bow-n-head]

usually not much snow there, and yes the wind does blow around here

[need2huntmor]

I was in that area deer hunting three years ago and it didn't get above freezing the whole week that I was there.  I will be heading over again this year about that same time.  Good luck to you!

[huntnphool]

I have hunted the SE for many years, make sure you have mud tires on your rig. That time of year you will most likely be in the low teens to 0 in the mornings and as high as the 70's during the day, but dont count on that high.

 Like someone said the gumbo will fill the tread in your tires and it will be like driving on ice, make sure you have chains as well. The SE holds perhaps the largest numbers of big deer in the state but you need to find access, your biggest obstacle.

[joebear]

Hey there they are correct about the gumbo it will eat your rig. As for the weather it will most likely be 50 or colder with a wind chill.
I have taken many great bucks over there and I would say to you get out of the truck and check all the cullies. the bucks will be full on rut. It is preaty open country so if you are not bowhunting I would bring a flat shooting rifle. I hope you have a great trip and will have a few great photos to show us when you get back!!

[NRA4LIFE]

If it gets warm on you and you get a lot of rain, heed everyone else's warning about the gumbo.  Plan on sitting in camp playing cards and drinking beer for a couple days.

[KimberRich]

I hunt central Montana every year in about the same time frame you are heading over and it varies so much.  Like everyone else has said it will probably be well below freezing in the morning and mid 40 during the day but with the Chinook winds over there you never know??  It can change in a few hours.  Last year I shot my buck on about Nov.10th and it was like 10 degrees and snowing and terrible out.  The very next day it was 65 and sunny and we were fishing in T-shirts and all the snow was gone but it got muddy of course.  My advise is bring clothes for every type of weather and bring chains, shovel, and tow strap also.  They all have come in handy for me in the past.  Layer up and peel off layers as the day gets warmer.  In my opinion you are hunting the best possible time over there.  I usually hunt the fsecond week of Nov. and the bucks are just starting to really rut.  My family over there doesn't even hunt until the last week of Nov. because they say it's the only time worth hunting and the only time the really big bucks come out..  Good luck to you and hope to see some pictures!

[Echomules]

Have fun! Should be a great time to find a buck that you go to MT for.

Re: Gumbo
Respect it, but if you are back in someplace and it rains.....or more probable--you drove there when it's frozen and then it thaws. Often within 6-8 hours conditions change enough that you can drive out and only deal with a few bad holes. Either freezes again or the wind blows and dries the surface. Just be patient and hang out, plan for a possible short wait and pack the rig accordingly, then its no big deal. If it rains really hard, it takes a few days of sun/wind to dry things out for full backcountry travel. But often there is still decent hunting available from driveable main roads.
Talked with a tow truck driver over there one time and asked about his forays to retrieve rigs. He claimed that by the time anyone that was stuck got him out there, ususally a few hours minimum. He could drive right up to their rig, jerk them out, and they could drive themselves out. Just too impatient.