Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Out Of State Hunting => Topic started by: REHJWA on December 08, 2017, 10:51:55 AM

Title: Idaho vs Montana deer hunting
Post by: REHJWA on December 08, 2017, 10:51:55 AM: I saw this topic come up in another thread under deer hunting. What are the pros and cons of hunting Montana over Idaho or Idaho over Montana.
I typically can get away for a week at a time.
Love hunting Mule deer.
Looking for opinions as well as facts. Pictures help. ;)
Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Idaho vs Montana deer hunting
Post by: lord grizzly on December 08, 2017, 11:09:17 AM: defiantly Montana. everyone go there please
Title: Re: Idaho vs Montana deer hunting
Post by: vandeman17 on December 08, 2017, 11:13:11 AM: I have hunted both states and I don't think you can go wrong with either. Both offer good options so it really just comes down to finding and learning an area.
Title: Re: Idaho vs Montana deer hunting
Post by: Skyvalhunter on December 08, 2017, 11:40:44 AM: defiantly ~~Montana~~ Idaho. everyone go there please :chuckle:
Title: Re: Idaho vs Montana deer hunting
Post by: jjhunter on December 08, 2017, 11:51:06 AM: There is a lot more game in Montana. Montana is a mule deer factory. Easy access, lots of nice bucks, ability to hunt during the rut. There really isn’t anything like it. Deer numbers struggled for a few years, but they appear to be on the upswing. Now is the time to go.
Title: Re: Idaho vs Montana deer hunting
Post by: elkaholic123 on December 08, 2017, 11:56:04 AM: Find some good Block Management in Montana and have a great time 😉
Title: Re: Idaho vs Montana deer hunting
Post by: Duckslayer89 on December 08, 2017, 11:58:58 AM: Quote from: jjhunter on December 08, 2017, 11:51:06 AM
There is a lot more game in Montana. Montana is a mule deer factory. Easy access, lots of nice bucks, ability to hunt during the rut. There really isn’t anything like it. Deer numbers struggled for a few years, but they appear to be on the upswing. Now is the time to go.

I've been pretty disappointed in the amount of animals seen in Idaho the last few years compared to 10 years ago. It's awesome rugged country though and not as many people, over the counter tags too.
Title: Re: Idaho vs Montana deer hunting
Post by: jjhunter on December 08, 2017, 01:02:37 PM: The ability to hunt the rut (the whole month of November) is really what separates Montana from the pack. Yeah, you have to apply and draw the tag, but I would consider it essentially an OTC hunt with the odds of getting a tag.

I’ve left Montana without filling a tag, but it’s never been for lack of opportunity. I can’t say the same for Idaho.

Do a poll on here and ask what state produced members biggest mule deer buck. I bet Montana wins.
Title: Re: Idaho vs Montana deer hunting
Post by: M_ray on December 08, 2017, 03:06:02 PM: You can’t trust JJ :rolleyes: one of his largest bucks was shot in Idaho!!! Nothing but small bucks in Montana.

Pros for Idaho is that it’s closer, OTC tags and offers cheap wolf tags ;) has great LE bucks.

Montana pros have been said, an easier general draw and the ability to hunt the rut with out waiting for a lotto pick. A con can be more pressure so it can be hard to find a good one IMO.
I also have gone home empty handed before from both states but as JJ said it was my choice to hold off looking for a good one.
Title: Re: Idaho vs Montana deer hunting
Post by: huntnphool on December 08, 2017, 03:14:36 PM: Why pick between the two, just hunt both. :twocents:
Title: Re: Idaho vs Montana deer hunting
Post by: jjhunter on December 08, 2017, 03:16:00 PM: Quote from: huntnphool on December 08, 2017, 03:14:36 PM
Why pick between the two, just hunt both. :twocents:

Rob has killed more big bucks in MT than anyone I know.
Title: Re: Idaho vs Montana deer hunting
Post by: M_ray on December 08, 2017, 03:25:44 PM: Quote from: jjhunter on December 08, 2017, 03:16:00 PM
Quote from: huntnphool on December 08, 2017, 03:14:36 PM
Why pick between the two, just hunt both. :twocents:

Rob has killed more big bucks in MT than anyone I know.

True