Post by: cjc23 on October 23, 2024, 03:09:37 PM
Post by: Edminsterquality on October 23, 2024, 03:23:22 PM
Post by: raydog on October 23, 2024, 03:23:41 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on October 23, 2024, 03:25:33 PM
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 23, 2024, 03:34:27 PM
Post by: kramman on October 23, 2024, 04:06:19 PM
It's easier to start, transport and set up and don't have to worry when u leave. We did a wood stove for 1 yr then decided this was the easier rte.
Good luck with your hunt, and watch out for that montana mud. It'll get everywhere!
Post by: BKMFR on October 23, 2024, 07:53:54 PM
Just fyi for everyone, it's illegal to transport firewood into MT from a different state.Don't think I'm losing sleep over this one.... Look out wood patrol..... sorry just tired of the nonsense!
Post by: MADMAX on October 23, 2024, 07:58:23 PM
Easy peasy
Post by: Karl Blanchard on October 23, 2024, 08:03:31 PM
you do you. Just letting folks know they can and will ticket you :dunno:Just fyi for everyone, it's illegal to transport firewood into MT from a different state.Don't think I'm losing sleep over this one.... Look out wood patrol..... sorry just tired of the nonsense!
Post by: HillHound on October 23, 2024, 08:14:47 PM
Post by: raydog on October 23, 2024, 08:16:46 PM
Just fyi for everyone, it's illegal to transport firewood into MT from a different state.Thanks Karl, I wasn't aware. I'm really surprised the game warden that stopped in camp didn't write a ticket for that. Let's just say I don't think he like us Wa guys :chuckle:
Post by: timberhunter on October 23, 2024, 08:49:17 PM
Post by: Dansk on October 23, 2024, 10:30:03 PM
Motels are super cheap over there, and many mom/pops places are 50s era but clean and comfy, some have kitchenettes. Air bnb / VRBOs can be had for minimal $. I mean you are spending a whack of cash on your tags and gas alone... another couple hundred for a hot shower, warm bed, etc, is small compared to the total cost of that hunt. (not to mention the extra gear you can leave at home)
Either way you go, prepare for all conditions... bring CHAINS, your cold(est) weather clothes, toe/hand warmers, etc.
Post by: 300rum on October 24, 2024, 05:42:28 AM
What someone said about the hotels is true, I went back with no reservations and was able to get a room every night, I just had to call in every morning to check if they had a cancelation. Guys get bucks and head out early. I had to change rooms almost everynight, that was a pain, but it is better than being outside. Also, the hotels typically have plugins outside for your truck's block heater, a necessity if you have a diesel.
Don't worry about the gumbo unless its unusually warm and wet. As long as it freezes up at night, you just need to wait it out for the road to firm up. The guys who get into trouble are the road hunters who are driving roads they shouldn't be in the afternoon.
You'll find out pretty quick why the pioneers burned buffalo chips, it wasn't for the extra flavor.
Post by: mburrows on October 24, 2024, 06:43:42 AM
The gumbo can make life miserable always err on the side of caution. When the wind blows, it freaking blows and can make turning up critters very challenging.
I love that country up there but make sure you are prepared to handle anything on your own. Service and help are limited up there. Take shovels, chains and tow straps.
That being said, a lot of guys hunt it so don't let the challenges of the country scare ya. Just be prepared.
Post by: cjc23 on October 24, 2024, 07:52:29 AM
This will be my 10th year, and first time going solo. Most rooms book up fast, but there are constant cancellations of guys leaving early so one that tells you it’s full one day may be open the next If weather turns on you. We have yet to stay in a tent, but we see people doing it every year. I love the idea because it is such a long drive every day in and out of town. There have been a few years. It would’ve been great and a few years it would’ve been downright miserable. Definitely look into buying wood somewhere because there will be none to collect, and I would still bring a buddy heater or maybe even a small generator and electric heater. Me and my friend are taking a tent to Idaho next week with a little stove that will only hold a fire for two hours at a time. Going to bring the Buddy heater as well as the Honda generator and forced air ceramic heater that way we have options. We thought about bringing the motorhome or camp trailer, but we don’t want to for the same reason we have never brought it to Montana. I don’t want bad weather to push us out or get us stuck where we are if we don’t get out. Good luck! When are you going?
Planning on heading over the 10th and coming back the 24th.
Post by: cjc23 on October 24, 2024, 07:55:22 AM
Post by: Wingin it on October 24, 2024, 08:19:34 AM
Post by: KNOPHISH on October 24, 2024, 08:49:57 AM
Post by: Muleydude on October 24, 2024, 11:39:28 AM
IF it is "one of those winters" over there while you are there, you will spend a considerable amount of time and energy just maintaining your camp appropriately with water, fuel, heat, etc. And, as someone else pointed out above, sleeping won't be great either.
My recommendation would be to find a VRBO or motel over there, even if it requires some driving. Getting back to a warm place to sleep with running water and a chance to fuel up each night, even if takes an extra 45 min or hour to drive each way, is more then worth it.........you will hunt harder, and your time and energy will be put on finding that mule deer buck instead of trying to maintain a wall tent in that environment.
Or, it could be one those of those 50 degree November's......... :dunno:
anyway, just my two cents......
Post by: HillHound on October 24, 2024, 06:05:49 PM
Post by: highside74 on October 24, 2024, 07:36:46 PM
Post by: bearpaw on October 25, 2024, 05:36:41 AM
It can be nice or it can be like the arctic!
Post by: JakeLand on October 25, 2024, 08:29:19 AM
IMO - Check the 10 Day weather forecast before camping out in eastern Montana during November!X2 and if you do the wall tent take extra stakes and rope not chord as the wind will really come through
It can be nice or it can be like the arctic!
Post by: Craig on October 25, 2024, 08:39:18 AM
Post by: nwwanderer on October 25, 2024, 08:56:57 AM
Post by: The scout on October 25, 2024, 10:48:58 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on October 25, 2024, 11:10:59 AM
I guess I will be the minority here, I’ve camped in eastern Montana in November in wall tents for the last 20 years. If you have the proper stakes and set up it’s not a big deal. I don’t understand the people running propane heat. Such a damp gross feeling heat to me. Get a good wood stove and you will be set. There is no better feeling to me anyway than it being zero degrees outside and 80 in the tent. Great feeling to come out of the cold to wood heat. Sometimes you have to keep your water inside. I keep a 7 gallon jug on my table all the time anyway. But not that big of deal. To each their own I guess. Nearest town to where I hunt is about 2 hrs on dirt roads.Same. Never been an issue. My tent did get rag dolled in 22' but that was completely on my dad and brother. Knew the wind was gonna hit that first day (i was a day behind because of kid stuff) and I specifically told them not to set the tent up and get a hotel for the night. They didn't listen and when I showed up they were physically holding the tent from flying away. They also had it improperly staked. Other than that it's always been a great way to live for a week. Zero desire to dump a bunch of money on lodging and dining out.
Post by: 2MANY on October 25, 2024, 11:17:10 AM
Post by: cjc23 on October 25, 2024, 01:08:02 PM
I guess I will be the minority here, I’ve camped in eastern Montana in November in wall tents for the last 20 years. If you have the proper stakes and set up it’s not a big deal. I don’t understand the people running propane heat. Such a damp gross feeling heat to me. Get a good wood stove and you will be set. There is no better feeling to me anyway than it being zero degrees outside and 80 in the tent. Great feeling to come out of the cold to wood heat. Sometimes you have to keep your water inside. I keep a 7 gallon jug on my table all the time anyway. But not that big of deal. To each their own I guess. Nearest town to where I hunt is about 2 hrs on dirt roads.Same. Never been an issue. My tent did get rag dolled in 22' but that was completely on my dad and brother. Knew the wind was gonna hit that first day (i was a day behind because of kid stuff) and I specifically told them not to set the tent up and get a hotel for the night. They didn't listen and when I showed up they were physically holding the tent from flying away. They also had it improperly staked. Other than that it's always been a great way to live for a week. Zero desire to dump a bunch of money on lodging and dining out.
I see myself falling more into this camp as well. First year with the wall tent, but before this I've been running a backpacking tent down into the 30's and lower with just a sleeping bag so I figure if I can just get the tent up to that temperature I should be more than fine. Overall looking forward to it, should be a good experience and if things work out good might stop by a buddy's ranch for an OTC cow and whitetail doe tag.
Post by: deerlick on October 25, 2024, 01:42:26 PM
Post by: duckmen1 on October 25, 2024, 02:33:57 PM
But if you camp how can you drive by all the Private properties that you can't shoot deer on so you can tell your buddies you passed up twenty bucks a day
I hear that all the time. Even from Washington hunters. Lol
Post by: Karl Blanchard on October 25, 2024, 03:39:58 PM
2022 it was negatives every night and we were in t-shirts with the woodstove burning. I think you'll be fine :chuckle:I guess I will be the minority here, I’ve camped in eastern Montana in November in wall tents for the last 20 years. If you have the proper stakes and set up it’s not a big deal. I don’t understand the people running propane heat. Such a damp gross feeling heat to me. Get a good wood stove and you will be set. There is no better feeling to me anyway than it being zero degrees outside and 80 in the tent. Great feeling to come out of the cold to wood heat. Sometimes you have to keep your water inside. I keep a 7 gallon jug on my table all the time anyway. But not that big of deal. To each their own I guess. Nearest town to where I hunt is about 2 hrs on dirt roads.Same. Never been an issue. My tent did get rag dolled in 22' but that was completely on my dad and brother. Knew the wind was gonna hit that first day (i was a day behind because of kid stuff) and I specifically told them not to set the tent up and get a hotel for the night. They didn't listen and when I showed up they were physically holding the tent from flying away. They also had it improperly staked. Other than that it's always been a great way to live for a week. Zero desire to dump a bunch of money on lodging and dining out.
I see myself falling more into this camp as well. First year with the wall tent, but before this I've been running a backpacking tent down into the 30's and lower with just a sleeping bag so I figure if I can just get the tent up to that temperature I should be more than fine. Overall looking forward to it, should be a good experience and if things work out good might stop by a buddy's ranch for an OTC cow and whitetail doe tag.
Post by: huntandjeep on October 25, 2024, 06:14:27 PM
Get a motelThat's what we do . Usually make reservations the day we find out of we got tags
Easy peasy
Post by: Muleydude on October 25, 2024, 06:17:36 PM
That got a chuckle out of me..... :chuckle: Unfortunately, the WA hunters are the worst offenders of that!! But, on a more serious note, yes........you will be fine with a wall tent in Eastern Montana.......you will be able to hike to the nearest farm house pretty easy, even from the most remote part of 670 :chuckle:( I do think given the current dynamics in region 6 that 670 is a good choice); IF you get into some units further south from 670 on the breaks, you can get into some more difficult and remote areas, but 670 is pretty benign. I've been going to Montana since the mid 80's, so I'm just old..........I think the more important aspect for you is that it sounds like you have blocked out 14 days. That is wonderful. Some advice from me is that don't shoot the first 2.5 yr old 4 pt you see the third day you are there......I don't know how many WA hunters I know that go to Montana, and by the third day they are already driving home.....in your own World, if you have 14 days blocked out.....stay 14 days. Shoot a 2 point on day 13 if shooting a deer is that important to you. It's your first trip over there, so use it as a scouting trip as much as a hunting trip. Like I said in an earlier post, Eastern Montana is a big place, especially 670. Many out of state hunters pitch a wall tent, and then only get 3-4 miles out from that. My advice is to cover ground and learn the bigger wider area.
With 14 days, you can even pull up stakes and move to a different unit/area (that would be my advice).
You see a lot on these forums about the mud; the mud isnt't a problem, it has never stopped us. But, it does take $40 worth of car wash money when you get home!
The bigger problem that many don't realize is that in WA 2 inches of snow is now big deal.......in Eastern Montana, 2 inches of snow coupled with a wind storm will create 5' drifts and impassable conditions out in the field. So, bring chains for all four tires, and a shovel, and be prepared to fight through that if it comes. You will drive on a two track for 5 miles no problem......then hit a 4' drift on a corner........
so, regardless of whether you stay in a tent or a motel room, since its your first time, use this as a scouting trip. Stay the whole 14 days; don't shoot a young 4 pt on day three because you are scared you won't find a buck.
Feel free to PM me; I can give you more specifics that way, and good luck!
Post by: 2MANY on October 25, 2024, 06:23:25 PM
If not your tent could provide an excellent hang gliding experience in minus temps.
Post by: MADMAX on October 25, 2024, 07:34:43 PM
Get a motelThat's what we do . Usually make reservations the day we find out of we got tags
Easy peasy
Us too
Sure makes things easier and you never know who you’ll run into
Post by: The scout on October 25, 2024, 08:03:57 PM
Post by: MADMAX on October 25, 2024, 08:12:34 PM
Mountain men
Post by: actionshooter on October 26, 2024, 08:21:23 PM
Now the last weekend last year was a little chilly...forgot to put the case water bottles in the cooler and all the water froze solid in the tent overnight. :chuckle:
Post by: The scout on October 26, 2024, 08:27:30 PM
Tom Oar
Mountain men
Mountain men are staying in a hotel, must have been pretty bad weather.
Post by: MADMAX on October 26, 2024, 08:55:31 PM
Tom Oar
Mountain men
Mountain men are staying in a hotel, must have been pretty bad weather.
Perzactly
Post by: SpicyTacos on October 28, 2024, 06:36:30 PM
Post by: JakeLand on October 29, 2024, 04:36:04 AM
I hear that all the time. Even from Washington hunters. Lolthis is exactly what info you need ! Spot on
That got a chuckle out of me..... :chuckle: Unfortunately, the WA hunters are the worst offenders of that!! But, on a more serious note, yes........you will be fine with a wall tent in Eastern Montana.......you will be able to hike to the nearest farm house pretty easy, even from the most remote part of 670 :chuckle:( I do think given the current dynamics in region 6 that 670 is a good choice); IF you get into some units further south from 670 on the breaks, you can get into some more difficult and remote areas, but 670 is pretty benign. I've been going to Montana since the mid 80's, so I'm just old..........I think the more important aspect for you is that it sounds like you have blocked out 14 days. That is wonderful. Some advice from me is that don't shoot the first 2.5 yr old 4 pt you see the third day you are there......I don't know how many WA hunters I know that go to Montana, and by the third day they are already driving home.....in your own World, if you have 14 days blocked out.....stay 14 days. Shoot a 2 point on day 13 if shooting a deer is that important to you. It's your first trip over there, so use it as a scouting trip as much as a hunting trip. Like I said in an earlier post, Eastern Montana is a big place, especially 670. Many out of state hunters pitch a wall tent, and then only get 3-4 miles out from that. My advice is to cover ground and learn the bigger wider area.
With 14 days, you can even pull up stakes and move to a different unit/area (that would be my advice).
You see a lot on these forums about the mud; the mud isnt't a problem, it has never stopped us. But, it does take $40 worth of car wash money when you get home!
The bigger problem that many don't realize is that in WA 2 inches of snow is now big deal.......in Eastern Montana, 2 inches of snow coupled with a wind storm will create 5' drifts and impassable conditions out in the field. So, bring chains for all four tires, and a shovel, and be prepared to fight through that if it comes. You will drive on a two track for 5 miles no problem......then hit a 4' drift on a corner........
so, regardless of whether you stay in a tent or a motel room, since its your first time, use this as a scouting trip. Stay the whole 14 days; don't shoot a young 4 pt on day three because you are scared you won't find a buck.
Feel free to PM me; I can give you more specifics that way, and good luck!
Post by: idaho guy on December 12, 2024, 07:25:16 PM
Post by: cjc23 on December 18, 2024, 12:58:53 PM
how was your hunt? Weather sure was unseasonably warm when we wentWe had a great time, weather was pretty warm when we went and we ended up catching the November winter storm on the last night of our hunt which only ended up being a couple of inches of snow there. I ended up taking an average 4x4 and my buddy ate his tag after not seeing anything that met his fancy. Not only was that our first time over there but that was my first buck as well. I have been hunting WA for about 7 years now but only recently started dedicating serious time to it in the past 2 years or so. Needless to say I was more than grateful to get that first buck out of the way and under my belt. Thanks again to @Muleydude for all the intel!
Post by: cjc23 on December 18, 2024, 01:07:46 PM
Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk
Post by: addicted1 on December 18, 2024, 05:14:16 PM
Post by: MADMAX on December 18, 2024, 05:46:42 PM
Post by: cjc23 on December 18, 2024, 06:19:20 PM
Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk
Post by: idaho guy on January 18, 2025, 05:30:11 PM
how was your hunt? Weather sure was unseasonably warm when we wentWe had a great time, weather was pretty warm when we went and we ended up catching the November winter storm on the last night of our hunt which only ended up being a couple of inches of snow there. I ended up taking an average 4x4 and my buddy ate his tag after not seeing anything that met his fancy. Not only was that our first time over there but that was my first buck as well. I have been hunting WA for about 7 years now but only recently started dedicating serious time to it in the past 2 years or so. Needless to say I was more than grateful to get that first buck out of the way and under my belt. Thanks again to @Muleydude for all the intel!
just saw this. Congrats on your first buck glad you had a good time