Winnett, Montana Hunting

[CavemantheHunter]

Why is the population down so much? Wolves? Hard winters? Both?

[gveil]

The population is down because of one tough winter, spring flooding and blue tongue. Mule deer numbers were about half of what I have seen in years past and they have been declining steadily for a few years. White-tailed deer practically disappeared last year because of blue tongue. Lots of good habitat in the creek and river bottoms is gone due to the aftermath of the flooding. Our group of 4 went home with 0 bucks last year. Typically, we tag out with some decent deer. I kicked myself for passing on an average white-tailed buck the first day.

[cougfan79]

Check out Chain Buttes BMA.  Lots of people, but have seen lots of deer and elk the past 4 years.
Deer numbers were down last year, but still saw lots of deer and elk and my group was 3-3.

[CavemantheHunter]

Thanks for all the info, I will continue researching. How about the elk population?

[JLS]

Elk is by permit only.  Your concern would be finally drawing the permit, not finding an elk when you do.

[finnman]

We hunted it in 08' and 09', got our deer both years, we hunted east of town on BMA's, deer were not plentiful except on private ground around town and other areas off limits. We got chased out of there in 09' by a nasty winter storm that covered the entire north half of the state! Expect the worst! Fun stuff though, if our draws go south I will apply again this year!

[big wood]

I hunted winnet and eastern Montana for 26 years. e mail me if you want some info

[CavemantheHunter]

Thank you all for the help. It is greatly appreciated. I'll be getting with my group next weekend to get our stuff together and put in for the draws. Will keep y'all updated. All I know is it's going to be a long year spent in anticipation for this season!

[high_hunter]

Hey All, I know this is a 12+ year-old post. Wondering if anyone has any more recent info or advice for the area, particularly about deer #'s.

This is one of the areas my group of 3 is considering going for our first MT modern deer hunt Nov 15-24th.  We have some of E & W WA, N. Idaho, New Mexico, and U.P. Michigan experience between us but nothing in Montana.

Other options on the table are Jordan, Malta, Glendive, Harve & Fort Peck area based on limited intel from buddies. If anyone has insight about one over the other that would help.  Reply or PM as you feel comfortable.

Thanks,
HH

[deerlick]

Did you draw the tag for that area? New this year

[JDHasty]

Be careful and be prepared.  You can get real good and dead there real fast.  The temperature can go from in the forties to way below zero in half an hour. 

How do I know these things?  Some of my family ranch there.  The ranch HQ is in Augusta now, but they have grass there.  It’s a tough gig keeping water open through the winter in that country. 

Big deer and big elk and nice speed goats. 

[The scout]

Hunted there since about 2010, WAY fewer deer numbers BUT the mature deer seem to stay the same population some how

[Killerhiller40]

Make sure and be mindful of that eastern Montana gumbo. Any moisture and the dirt roads can get really nasty


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[high_hunter]

Thanks for all the replies and reply to my PM from Big Wood. 

Happy to burn some time and a tag if needed learning a new area, just excited for the adventure! 

-HH

[Sakko300wsm]

Be careful and be prepared.  You can get real good and dead there real fast.  The temperature can go from in the forties to way below zero in half an hour. 

How do I know these things?  Some of my family ranch there.  The ranch HQ is in Augusta now, but they have grass there.  It’s a tough gig keeping water open through the winter in that country. 

Big deer and big elk and nice speed goats.

Augusta is an amazing area!