Post by: Tbob on March 07, 2018, 11:46:12 AM
So all you guys who hunt out of state, what are some tips or things you wish you had done or brought with you on your MT hunt?? Just trying to cut down the learning curve a bit as I’ll be solo and would rather have more time to hunt and not be messing around with logistics or gear..
Thanks so much and I’m really looking forward to hearing what you guys have to say!
Post by: knighttime25 on March 07, 2018, 12:09:10 PM
Post by: gasman on March 07, 2018, 12:15:05 PM
:tup:
We're looking more around Fort Peck Reservoir.
Post by: NRA4LIFE on March 07, 2018, 01:49:20 PM
Post by: Encore 280 on March 07, 2018, 01:53:37 PM
Post by: Stein on March 07, 2018, 01:56:04 PM
The thing to remember about Montana mule deer is they manage for opportunity, not age class. You get to hunt them in the rut with a rifle for a crazy long season, but the flip side of the coin is there is not the quality or quantity of other states. They do pump out some bruisers every year, but it's not the place to go for a trophy.
That said, I would plan on sleeping in my truck or a simple base camp as opposed to a backpack in trip (or hotel if funds allow). Unless you know the area pretty well, chances are you are going to cover some miles driving and glassing until you get on one that is on public you want to pursue. With backpacking, you burn a half to full day getting in and another one getting out which starts to add up if you have to move once or twice.
Make sure you check out any BMA properties, they should show up on your On X map. Some require reservations and other are just show up, sign in and hunt. Don't get married to a particular place, if you aren't finding decent bucks, keep moving, there are tons of acres you can hunt.
Drive, glass, hike, glass, repeat as necessary. Bring the best glass you can manage. Bucks tend to tuck into places not visible from the road or they don't make it to be very old.
Post by: jackmaster on March 07, 2018, 01:57:07 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on March 07, 2018, 02:16:43 PM
Post by: Tbob on March 07, 2018, 03:41:45 PM
So I’ve got some good glass (10x50’s) and on a tripod I love them! I have a spotter, but I hate lugging it around. The 10x50’s should be alright I’m hoping. I like the hunt mobile strategy too. I wasn’t planning to “pack in” anywhere as I’m Solo and the older I get the more paranoid about getting injured way back I become.. haha.
So do you generally park somewhere and hike around ? Or do most guys drive around and glass from the road until they see one to go after?
Man! -15 is no joke! Not sure I’ve ever been out when it’s that cold. Guess I’ll see what that’s like! Lol...
And regarding the trophy class size deer, well, I really just want to experience a good hunt and having an actual chance at a deer or two.. I’m about the experience and the freezer being full for the most part. A bruiser would be just icing on the cake I suppose.
Couldn’t agree more about studying maps! A few places I’ve hunted locally were tricky! Maps and Onx we’re both worth there weight in gold!
Appreciating all the insight! Please keep it coming!!
Post by: opdinkslayer on March 07, 2018, 04:16:19 PM
Might take a look at the public lands in the breaks around fort peck reservoir. Lots of bucks and if ya dig around in some of the holes, some decent ones. Might take a look at the block management areas as well. Some require reservations & some are sign in at the gate.
Unless you are wanting a summer vacation I'm not sure a scout trip is necessary but it will help you know where your going before hand if nothing else. Good luck and you can pm with questions, I'd be glad to help where I can. :tup:
Post by: Calvin Rayborn on March 07, 2018, 11:28:24 PM
Post by: Martinhunter on March 08, 2018, 12:14:43 PM
It's not the liberal dump Washington has become :dunno: that should be school enough right :chuckle::yeah:
Post by: wooltie on March 08, 2018, 10:00:03 PM
Know where the public land is and know how you can access it. Some parcels are behind private land. Some roads into public land are covered in mud...I chickened out a few times and turned around because the road was 8" deep ruts and I'd lose control going faster than 10mph. But I never got stuck.
I wouldn't camp or sleep in the truck if you can afford it. The hotels we stayed in cost $60-70/night, if you split that with a buddy the cost is rather cheap.
Region 7 has the highest harvest rates for mulies.
Be able to shoot to 300 yards. They can see you from that far. You can try to sneak closer, and they will stay put for a while, but they know something is up.
Coming from WA, hunting MT was like being at game farm...there's animals everywhere.
If we get drawn, then we'll need going around mid November as well. Not sure where yet, but we should stay in contact and check in. PM me if interested.
Post by: Tbob on March 09, 2018, 12:08:20 AM