Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: vandeman17 on February 26, 2013, 07:11:55 PM

Title: One elk point in Montana
Post by: vandeman17 on February 26, 2013, 07:11:55 PM: This is a bit of a long shot but I was wondering if anybody had any insight or advice as to where they would go for an archery elk hunt with one bonus point? My old man and I each have one preference point for the general draw and one bonus point for the limited entry draw. I have been trying to do as much research as possible but I am at the point of information overload. It will be my dad's first year archery hunting and we are considering Idaho, Montana or Oregon. Worst case scenario we plan on just putting in for the hardest hunt to draw in Montana so that when we don't get drawn, we will get our second point.
Title: Re: One elk point in Montana
Post by: Skyvalhunter on February 26, 2013, 07:17:32 PM: Did you glance at the pamphlet that came with your application? It has the odds in there for last year.
Title: Re: One elk point in Montana
Post by: JLS on February 26, 2013, 07:21:24 PM: I think the most obvious, and likely to draw would be one of the Missouri Breaks units. Outside of those, I can't think of too many that are really worth putting in for in order to archery hunt. The Sweetgrass Hills are really cool, don't have huge elk, and is a mix of private land. Bears Paw Mountains would be a very tough draw, and not easy access either. Some of the Lewistown area units have good elk hunting, but again, access can be difficult.

If you just want to keep it simple, shoot for the moon on the LE permit and hunt a general unit. Or, hunt the breaks. Both of these options give you some flexibility.
Title: Re: One elk point in Montana
Post by: vandeman17 on February 26, 2013, 07:21:52 PM: Quote from: Skyvalhunter on February 26, 2013, 07:17:32 PM
Did you glance at the pamphlet that came with your application? It has the odds in there for last year.

I did and I think it just added to my information overload. I was just hoping that someone on here might have some advice on a direction to go. Sometimes having too many options is worse then not enough!
Title: Re: One elk point in Montana
Post by: vandeman17 on February 26, 2013, 07:24:28 PM: Quote from: JLS on February 26, 2013, 07:21:24 PM
I think the most obvious, and likely to draw would be one of the Missouri Breaks units. Outside of those, I can't think of too many that are really worth putting in for in order to archery hunt. The Sweetgrass Hills are really cool, don't have huge elk, and is a mix of private land. Bears Paw Mountains would be a very tough draw, and not easy access either. Some of the Lewistown area units have good elk hunting, but again, access can be difficult.

If you just want to keep it simple, shoot for the moon on the LE permit and hunt a general unit. Or, hunt the breaks. Both of these options give you some flexibility.

Have you hunted any of the breaks units before? I read about them and got some mixed reviews. We aren't looking for trophy bulls, though we would love to find them, but more just the chance to get my dad up close and personal to some screaming bulls.
Title: Re: One elk point in Montana
Post by: JLS on February 26, 2013, 07:25:24 PM: I'll send you a PM.
Title: Re: One elk point in Montana
Post by: vandeman17 on February 26, 2013, 07:40:46 PM: PM returned
Title: Re: One elk point in Montana
Post by: Skyvalhunter on February 26, 2013, 07:42:44 PM: The Elkhorns are an awesome hunt, hunted that area before but very tough draw.
Title: Re: One elk point in Montana
Post by: vandeman17 on February 26, 2013, 07:49:24 PM: I heard about that region too and it was nothing but good things. We wouldn't try our luck on something like that until we at least have a few more points.
Title: Re: One elk point in Montana
Post by: vandeman17 on February 26, 2013, 08:21:59 PM: As a side note, we are open to any suggestions as far as a good starting place to get my old man on some elk. I am not looking for spots, just a good area because I am confident in our skills of finding the elk. I would be willing to share info on some good deer, elk or duck spots here in washington as well as deer in Idaho.
Title: Re: One elk point in Montana
Post by: Skyvalhunter on February 26, 2013, 08:31:29 PM: Just know there are not going to be many people with more elk points than you since it just started. Are you wanting a public lands hunt or a landowner DIY hunt? Some areas like where I hunt around Canyon Ferry lake went to a brow tined bull several years back so now you mostly see spikes and raghorns. Alot of areas are hit hard opening weekend(rifle) and tail off later in the season. I like to hunt in the Thanksgiving time frame when it's cold and better chance of snow.
Title: Re: One elk point in Montana
Post by: vandeman17 on February 26, 2013, 08:36:39 PM: Quote from: Skyvalhunter on February 26, 2013, 08:31:29 PM
Just know there are not going to be many people with more elk points than you since it just started. Are you wanting a public lands hunt or a landowner DIY hunt? Some areas like where I hunt around Canyon Ferry lake went to a brow tined bull several years back so now you mostly see spikes and raghorns. Alot of areas are hit hard opening weekend(rifle) and tail off later in the season. I like to hunt in the Thanksgiving time frame when it's cold and better chance of snow.

We are looking to just do a public land DIY hunt. We are willing to put on the miles and do our work. We just want to find a good starting place.
Title: Re: One elk point in Montana
Post by: romaknows on February 26, 2013, 08:37:23 PM: Quote from: Skyvalhunter on February 26, 2013, 08:31:29 PM
Just know there are not going to be many people with more elk points than you since it just started. Are you wanting a public lands hunt or a landowner DIY hunt? Some areas like where I hunt around Canyon Ferry lake went to a brow tined bull several years back so now you mostly see spikes and raghorns. Alot of areas are hit hard opening weekend(rifle) and tail off later in the season. I like to hunt in the Thanksgiving time frame when it's cold and better chance of snow.

What do you mean by saying "it just started"?