Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?

[Pathfinder101]

OK, here's the situation;

I drew a Montana Deer A combo tag (no elk, just deer).  I want to shoot a "good" mule deer.  Here are the factors:

1.  I have never hunted Montana before.  No access to private land, this will be a BLM, state and Block Management land hunt only
2.  After a lot of research, I have decided to hunt Eastern MT
3.  Have hunted open country mule deer in SE Wa for 9 years, am comfortable with spot and stalk hunting mule deer.
4.  Have killed a few "decent" muley bucks here in WA, mostly tall, light-horned, young deer.  Nothing over 18" wide.
5.  I have a solid week to hunt, leaving here on NOV 13th after work, returning on the 22nd (so I don't get divorced)
6.  I am shooting a Rem 700 in .270 Win, 130 grain Noslers, comfortable out to 400 yards if I don't have a crosswind
7.  I have decent (not spectacular) optics; Leupold 4X12 scope, Leupold 10X Binos, Alpen 36X Spotter.
8.  Will be hunting with a buddy that just moved to MT a couple of years ago, but doesn't know Eastern MT any better than I do.

My question, for anyone with experience on that side of the state is, if you were me, how big a buck would you hold out for? 

[huntnphool]

Can you be a little more specific as to where you are heading?

[nwhunter]

It probably depends where you are going. We are headed out on Wed for east Mt also planning to hunt south of malta on the resevoir. Have never been there so we are not sure what we are in for either but hope to see lots of 20 -22" bucks and maybe a few 24+. Have heard from guys who hunt there that is a realistic expectation if a guy will hike. Do you have the BMA map and info, that is very helpful. Good luck. nwhunter

[boneaddict]

The basic answer would be shoot whatever satisfies YOU. 

[mossback91]

The basic answer would be shoot whatever satisfies YOU. 

 

[BLKBEARKLR]

 

Could not agree more

[Hooter]

Eastern Montana is BIG country! But for what it's worth I think 22-25" four point is common. May not be too old a buck, but a decent animal. I guided North Central Montana and about 25" was normal, nice critter. Would see some good bucks each year in the 150-160 inch class, but they would find the tight, nasty coulees and let you go by, then out the back door! You will have fun and curse yourself for not having an Antelope tag! Around the Musselshell you can have both Whitetails & Mulies if you want a choice, not sure about the regs, its been a while.

[huntnphool]

Season ends tomorrow for pronghorn.

[Basket Rack]

Like others have posted, depends on what area you are headed, but a nice low to mid 20's buck should be achievable if you put your time in.  Headed to MT myself next weekend and it can not get here soon enough.  Good luck.

[huntnphool]

Sounds like a lot of us will be heading over next weekend

[fishunt247]

Me included. I'm headed to the Milk River country. Holding out for mid 140's or better. I've never shot a buck over...maybe 120, maybe...and haven't hunted Montana before. I think my goal is realistic, probably low compared to most of you, but I'm young. I'd be way pickier with a permit tag in this state.

[huntnphool]

Do you shoot or pass?

[Austrian Hunter]

I shoot, 

[mulehunter]

Passed several just like this pic. Trying to find one I want. BUT Only if its the LAST DAY OF HUNTING, I probablly will take it. 

Mulehunter 

[fishunt247]

I'd shoot in a heartbeat, and be SUPER happy with it all the way back to WA. What...22" inside, even forks, eyeguards...upper 140's gross?