Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Out Of State Hunting => Topic started by: MADMAX on January 29, 2018, 12:41:20 PM

Title: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: MADMAX on January 29, 2018, 12:41:20 PM: looking for some tips, camping areas and public or block mangement info
PM if you like, I am going solo if drawn

:fishin:
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: DaveMonti on January 29, 2018, 12:43:22 PM: Yep, but only archery on a private ranch. I go every year.
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: MADMAX on January 29, 2018, 01:19:32 PM: nice pics
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: follow maggie on January 29, 2018, 03:07:51 PM: Randy Newberg has a video on YouTube about deer hunting in that part of Montana. Good video, check it out.
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: Muleyslyr on January 29, 2018, 08:35:48 PM: PM sent
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: DaveMonti on January 29, 2018, 08:52:13 PM: There is a big chunk of the Custer National Forest about 10 miles to the west. I am not sure how the hunting is there. I recall a few motels in Broadus and a few bar/restaurants, but there really isn't much around there. There is an RV park a little west of town near the airport.
The area is great mule deer habitat (with some whitetails in spots, expecially along the river). I've not done much looking around for public hunting, but the Montana Hunt Planner is an interactive map that will show public lands (like the WA map). It may show block management as well, I can't recall.

Plenty of places to hunt around Broadus and it's great mule deer country. We are a bit spoiled as the ranch we hunt is over 30 sections, only allows one party per week, and doesn't allow any firearm hunting at all. It's self guided and run by the rancher, so no outfitter trying to fill every tag.

Check the dates that you are going and apply for an antelope tag as well. They are all over that area, and some very nice bucks too.
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: MADMAX on January 30, 2018, 05:32:11 AM: Thanks guys for the info
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: Duckhunter14 on January 30, 2018, 09:13:53 AM: Make sure you have a good GPS with very clear boundary lines for public and private. Most of the area around Broadus is very checkerboard. Lots and lots of private. Most people that hunt that area hunt private ranches because the majority of land around there (including almost all of the river bottom) is private. There are a ton of outfitters in the area and lots of big mule deer and whitetail that stay on those ranches. There are some chunks of public that a guy can explore. There are a lot of people that hit them and the densities of deer are much much lower on public land. But it can be done. I wouldn't pass a mature 4 point the first day.
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: MADMAX on January 30, 2018, 01:49:09 PM: anyone have a better suggestion for Eastern MT ?
solo hunter hunting public or Block management.
I did the Zortman area charlie russell years ago and was less than impressed
so I'm looking for something better for a decent mulie
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: Bigshooter on January 31, 2018, 07:41:57 AM: Quote from: MADMAX on January 30, 2018, 01:49:09 PM
anyone have a better suggestion for Eastern MT ?
solo hunter hunting public or Block management.
I did the Zortman area charlie russell years ago and was less than impressed
so I'm looking for something better for a decent mulie

What weren't you impressed with?
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: MADMAX on January 31, 2018, 07:47:01 AM: 4 guys
we had a motel in Zortman 2nd week in November for a week
took the dirt roads in for an hour south every morning and getting out glassing and hiking various spots
saw one buck 2pt, lots of does, lots of antelope, elk, birds and prairie dogs

I shot a doe last day
pretty much sums it up
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: Zuus on January 31, 2018, 08:40:04 AM: I think MT has block management maps available. Hunt wide open BLM too.
I've hunted Jordan area and Glasgow area. Lot of driving, glassing, and haul ass hunting. Way different than here because you can see a long ways. Many times we take off from the truck at a brisk walk, almost a run, to try to cut off a buck sneaking around a hillside.
Their rut is usually mid-November, almost up to Thanksgiving.
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: hunterofelk on January 31, 2018, 09:12:54 AM: I've hunted some lonely places in Montana that were open to public and the deer were pretty much shot out.
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: idaho guy on January 31, 2018, 10:36:11 AM: Quote from: MADMAX on January 31, 2018, 07:47:01 AM
4 guys
we had a motel in Zortman 2nd week in November for a week
took the dirt roads in for an hour south every morning and getting out glassing and hiking various spots
saw one buck 2pt, lots of does, lots of antelope, elk, birds and prairie dogs

I shot a doe last day
pretty much sums it up

that's disappointing to hear I used to hunt that exact area all the time when I lived in Havre it was awesome but that was 25 years ago. I did go back probably 15 years ago and it was still good! :chuckle:. I have family I hunt with in central Montana now so I haven't had a reason to get back there. If you explore anything east of the mountains in Montana you will eventually get into to tons of deer. Go over before hunting season and scout you shouldn't have any problem finding a place.
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: DaveMonti on January 31, 2018, 04:06:30 PM: Call the biologist that works Powder County and see what he/she says about the herd. I know it's rebounding after some tough years in 2010 and 2011. There are a lot of deer in the area, I just don't know what the success is on public ground. The Custer NF is HUGE, and a fire in 2011 in the North end of the NF did have an impact, but I am sure they have recovered by now.

If I was going to hunt public land with a firearm for mule deer, I would be looking right around Broadus.
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: MADMAX on January 31, 2018, 04:15:46 PM: Great info folks
Thanks for all the responses
Much appreciated
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: Encore 280 on January 31, 2018, 04:56:01 PM: Is it "Power County" or "Powder"? Just wondering cuz there's a lot of "Powder" names around there. :dunno:
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: CastleRocker on January 31, 2018, 05:49:46 PM: Went there last year for the first time. LOTS of checkerboard private/public land...even some private blocks way up in the Custer National Forest. Make sure you have a good GPS with the landowner chip in it! Every nice buck we saw was on private and posted land. Oh, and the locals DON'T like it when you stop to admire them either! All in all, it was fun, and we are looking into going somewhere else now. We met an old-timer over there, he said we were 10 to 15 years too late.
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: CastleRocker on January 31, 2018, 05:53:34 PM: Oh yeah almost forgot. If you think you have seen mud, and you haven't been over there...you haven't seen mud! I think it's Bentonite Clay, or something very similar to it. It's amazing stuff.
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: MADMAX on January 31, 2018, 06:16:50 PM: I always have a set of chains
Maybe get another
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: DaveMonti on January 31, 2018, 06:34:46 PM: Quote from: Encore 280 on January 31, 2018, 04:56:01 PM
Is it "Power County" or "Powder"? Just wondering cuz there's a lot of "Powder" names around there. :dunno:

It's Powder County, like the Powder River. Fixed my typo! Thanks!
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: Huntinandfishinfool on February 02, 2018, 12:32:38 PM: We've been hunting eastern montana since the early 80s and look forward to going every year. Back in the day we'd pick up 5 tags per person ( Antelope buck and doe, mule deer buck and 2 doe). There were animals everywhere and very few hunters. The number of animals have been greatly reduce however the number of hunters in my opion has stayed the same. For over 30 years we've hunted the same area on the CMR and over the course of 5 days we may see 3 other hunters in the field. We can see the road and on a daily basis will see tons of trucks and ATVs driving to the end of the road. A few get out and look around for a bit before turning around and driving off.

It's wide open country and it seems like everyone thinks to deer just stand out in the open waiting for someone to drive up and shoot them. If you get out of the truck and walk away from the road you will find deer just about everywhere.

Best story is the day my dad walked past some guys sitting at the end of the road in their chairs. They told my dad there was nothing out there. Less than 300 yards away my dad crested a hill and spotted a nice 4 point bedded. Shortly after my dad radioed me to bring the pack boards the guys loaded the chairs into their truck and drove past me as I headed down the trail.

Like I said before, there's very few hunters but seem to be a lot of people driving around.
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: Magnum_Willys on February 02, 2018, 02:07:26 PM: Quote from: CastleRocker on January 31, 2018, 05:53:34 PM
Oh yeah almost forgot. If you think you have seen mud, and you haven't been over there...you haven't seen mud! I think it's Bentonite Clay, or something very similar to it. It's amazing stuff.
If it rains you have til about 10:30-11:00 am to get out before roads thaw or wait til 9pm when they freeze again. That wet clay coats your tires and is slicker than wet ice.
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: Davo on February 02, 2018, 03:38:02 PM: If it rains you have til about 10:30-11:00 am to get out before roads thaw or wait til 9pm when they freeze again. That wet clay coats your tires and is slicker than wet ice.
[/quote]

Scariest driving I’ve ever done.
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: bigdub257 on February 02, 2018, 03:47:24 PM: Quote from: Davo on February 02, 2018, 03:38:02 PM

If it rains you have til about 10:30-11:00 am to get out before roads thaw or wait til 9pm when they freeze again. That wet clay coats your tires and is slicker than wet ice.

Scariest driving I’ve ever done.
[/quote]
:yeah:
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: NRA4LIFE on February 02, 2018, 04:37:48 PM: When these guys speak of the mud, heed their warning. I've had it so bad out there I had to take all my wheels off because they became so out of balance. I don't drive out there anymore when it gets like that. It is REALLY bad. And yes, it is bentonite clay based.
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: MADMAX on February 12, 2018, 09:50:07 AM: Applied today, we will see if I get drawn
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: HookedOnQuack on February 12, 2018, 05:23:19 PM: Quote from: MADMAX on February 12, 2018, 09:50:07 AM
Applied today, we will see if I get drawn
Even if you dont draw you can still get a leftover tag after a certain date i believe. My boss and 4-5 other guys go every year to Broadus and have tagged out every year. Like has been stated already watch out for the mud and make sure you have a good GPS with property lines. They see a ton of deer and shoot some nice ones each year, all public ground
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: Bill W on February 12, 2018, 05:37:46 PM: If it rains while you are out there stay on the main roads. The name I heard for the mud was "cleech" which is probably similar to caliche. It sticks to tires just like polishing compound on a polishing wheel. Gums up everything. First year I hunted around Jordan it dropped a couple feet of snow and then melted. Anything that drove off the main road got stuck.
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: MADMAX on February 13, 2018, 11:27:34 AM: Gotcha
Ought to be fun if I get drawn
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: White Pass Outfitters on February 13, 2018, 12:05:04 PM: We have taken a lot of Bucks from there. Do your map study and you will do just fine. We always went the wk before Turkey Day,caught the rut pretty darn good at that time. If it rains your in for a tougher hunt thats for sure. PM me and I can give you a few places to check out.
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: MADMAX on February 14, 2018, 07:41:07 AM: Thanks hoping the 84% successful draw happens for me
I'm burned out on not seeing legal animals last few years unless on private
WPO I PMd you
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: Stein on February 14, 2018, 09:29:45 AM: Quote from: bigdub257 on February 02, 2018, 03:47:24 PM
Quote from: Davo on February 02, 2018, 03:38:02 PM

If it rains you have til about 10:30-11:00 am to get out before roads thaw or wait til 9pm when they freeze again. That wet clay coats your tires and is slicker than wet ice.

Scariest driving I’ve ever done.
:yeah:
[/quote]
:yeah: :yeah: Forget the chains and bring a snowmobile. Think of the modeling clay you messed with in elementary school and you'll be pretty close.
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: MADMAX on February 14, 2018, 09:33:07 AM: Walking off road will work with the .257

:IBCOOL:
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: Twang on February 14, 2018, 01:27:53 PM: We call it gumbo cause it don’t act like mud. Brought home some of that stuff on everything I had and most of it is still attached. Chains would only make it worst faster
Dry or froze is the only way to move anything IMO
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: MADMAX on February 14, 2018, 06:03:13 PM: So am I hearing go elsewhere ????
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: DaveMonti on February 14, 2018, 08:49:29 PM: MADMAX, are you planning on staying in a motel in Broadus, or camping out on some public land far from a paved road?

If you're staying in town and can keep an eye on the weather, you'll be OK. If it rains, you might have to change it up, find some public land with access via a paved road so you can walk in and hunt. The roads will dry out pretty quickly once the rain stops, especially if it gets windy (and it will).

It's a pretty dry area, so it's not like it rains every other day. October is around 1 inch of precip. November is about half that. You are probably more likely to see snow if you're hunting later in the firearm season.

While I really don't know how the hunting is around Broadus on public land during firearm season, I don't know of anywhere else in the state that is a no-brainer for lots of decent bucks! Anywhere there is accessible public land and lots of decent bucks, there will be lots of hunters.

See what WPO says, and call the biologist that works in the Custer National Forest and see what he/she says. Everyone I talked to about hunting Custer NF says it's all road hunters, but I really don't think you'll see many guys in there.
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: Gamblin Guy on February 14, 2018, 09:50:41 PM: Montana is getting dumped on with snow this year, thaw/freeze and the more snow....might be a tough year for deer if it continues and spring comes late.
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: Bigshooter on February 15, 2018, 01:34:47 AM: I wouldn't worry to much about the mud. If it does rain stay off the side roads. Most main roads are gravel and they will be fine. Yes the mud is bad if it does rain or if it snows and melts but I wouldn't worry to much about it. I've hunted MT a lot of times and have only had to deal with it a few days out of all of those hunts.
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: MADMAX on February 15, 2018, 05:10:35 AM: Thanks guys
I plan to dry camp and also apply for pronghorn, will see how the draw gods are but appreciate the info
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: 257 Wby Mag on February 15, 2018, 08:49:47 AM: Definitely one of the better areas, if not the best for the diy hunter, awesome genetics as well...
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: wooltie on February 16, 2018, 11:55:56 AM: My buddy and I hunted MT last year for the first time. We hunted around Forsythe and Absarokee. We both tagged out. We will be returning to MT in 2018.

Yes, there is mud. And that crap is like clay; it sticks everywhere to everything. I still have some in my driveway even today.

We drove down muddy roads with 6-8" ruts. I had new 34" toyo ATII with 4WD. I'd start sliding and lose ctrl at speeds over 10 mph. But yea, drive in the morning when its frozen. Then come out at night once it freezes again -- if you can't get out earlier.

This was my first time in that stuff; I was freaking out LOL. My hunting buddy knows how to drive in that stuff so he was putting up with me. But we didn't get stuck. Gotta learn to navigate that stuff if you want to go back. Most roads I saw were mud, not gravel. Getting stuck in the road is recoverable, but you want to watch out for going around turns and sliding into a ditch.
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: huntnphool on February 16, 2018, 12:55:45 PM: I think I prefer the wet to the dry. When it’s dry the red dust gets inside everything. A year later, after several washings and a wet Washington winter you will still be getting red crap running out of your doors and seals.
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: DaveMonti on February 16, 2018, 01:17:47 PM: I've hunted around Broadus for years. There is WAY too much being made of the mud on this post. Don't let it influence your decision to hunt here.
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: MADMAX on February 16, 2018, 01:34:24 PM: If I get drawn am applying for antelope also and heading there for a couple weeks
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: DaveMonti on February 16, 2018, 01:38:31 PM: You will be fine with a couple of weeks. A few days rain won't spoil the entire hunt. It might shut you down for a part of the hunt, but you'll be fine.

If I get drawn and don't get a buck over there in archery season, I just might be in the same area come firearm season!
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: MADMAX on April 28, 2018, 10:04:02 AM: so I'm drawn for deer and applied for antelope
Heading over solo this summer to scout it and then in October and possibly November to hunt.
my fingers are crossed.
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: NRA4LIFE on April 28, 2018, 01:07:11 PM: Madmax,

Just an FYI, but I have seen antelope bucks that had already dropped their sheaths as early as the first week of November in that area.
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: MADMAX on April 28, 2018, 01:27:15 PM: Thanks
I will plan for 3rd week in October if I get drawn for antelope
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: SemperFidelis97 on April 28, 2018, 10:19:16 PM: I was thinking of taking my son down in November. What week would you guys with experience in the area recommended for rut activity?

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Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on April 29, 2018, 07:36:49 AM: Quote from: SemperFidelis97 on April 28, 2018, 10:19:16 PM
I was thinking of taking my son down in November. What week would you guys with experience in the area recommended for rut activity?

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if mule deer is the intended species then aim for the 10th. That's the day that the switch really flips
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: SemperFidelis97 on April 29, 2018, 10:05:09 AM: Thank you Karl.

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Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: eliandsky on April 29, 2018, 12:52:24 PM: Following

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Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: MADMAX on June 25, 2018, 10:18:35 AM: Leaving tomorrow to go scout the area I’ll give an honest opinion when I get back
Thanks again tot he guys that sent me info
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: Seatown5 on June 28, 2018, 09:38:25 PM: How exciting. A couple of buddies and myself are headed over there in November sight unseen. It's just to hard for us to make it over before the season. Good luck to ya, cant wait to hear your report of what you think of the country
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: cem3434 on June 29, 2018, 12:34:31 AM: It been a few years, but we use to hunt that area the week of Thanksgiving and they still seemed to be in the rut. Lots of block management land and lots of land tied up by Powder River Outfitters, so make sure you have good maps or one chip. The wet weather and snow can make many of the clay roads next to impossible to pass. The deer population was in the dumps, so we stopped hunting there all together about 5 years ago.
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: MADMAX on July 04, 2018, 05:24:13 AM: Long drive
thunderstorms
muddy roads
spent 2 days each way traveling 2400 miles pulling the trailer
I do have to get a chip for my Rino
lots of country
deer all day everyday
lots of antelope
worth the look
not taking a trailer back there in Nov, doing the motel thing
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: SemperFidelis97 on July 04, 2018, 09:18:57 AM: Thanks for the update Madmax. I was curious how the deer came through this winter. Are you grabbing a motel in Broadus? I didn't see much online so I was debating on just camping out.

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Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: MADMAX on July 04, 2018, 11:28:04 AM: talked to locals and the taxidermy shop owners, they went oh yea, lots of deer, if I get drawn for pronghorn I will go over to hunt them after Washington Modern deer ends and if I see a nice buck deer so be it.
As far as anything for lodging the area doesnt have much but, yes I got a room for 2 weeks end of November at a decent rate and I will be hunting strictly for rutty mule deer.
I was going to camp out also but that time of year I think it could be dicey in a trailer off the hard packed roads.
I recommend going and looking if you never been, I saw all I needed to in 3 days there and excited to go back, I didnt get to fish because the rivers were fast and muddy but great gopher shooting also, only used a 22 but got 3 for sure confirmed out of 20 shots at them way out, before they wised up and stayed down till I left.
saw deer antelope coyotes, grouse and turks
fun trip, now its time for salmon in a week or so
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: MrE4853 on July 07, 2018, 04:28:07 PM: Awesome trip! My buddies and I are going to MT the week of Nov 10-18. We are thinking about the Jordan area but Broadus sounds interesting too...decisions decisions. We’ve never been and it doesn’t look like we can find time for a scout trip. I really have a hard time going somewhere new sight unseen.
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: Wanttohuntmore on July 07, 2018, 09:40:47 PM: Those roads that are just dirt can turn real mushy with a little rain. Motel will save you some troubles. What kind of mpg did you get pulling that trailer over there with that Tacoma?
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: MADMAX on July 08, 2018, 05:35:01 AM: thats the plan
10-12 mpg depending on wind and hills
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: Wanttohuntmore on July 08, 2018, 08:22:36 AM: About the same mpg that I used to get in my 02 Taco. Ever think of using a wall tent? Though, be prepared for deep freezes over there. I remember -15f and 70f happening in the same 10 day stretch when I was there last.
Title: Re: Anybody ever hunt mulies near Broadus MT ?
Post by: MADMAX on July 08, 2018, 05:18:06 PM: I’m good with the motel
Not a big fan of tents