Good dilemma to have, any advice?

[Dmanmastertracker]

  The wife got a good new job, so looks like our vacations are still on this year, I have a 90% shot at Montana deer and am also considering Oregon and Idaho, all September archery seasons, as I'm getting a modern tag in Wa. this year. My dilemma is, I need to make the September trip a vacation to, you know, spa for the wife and a nice lodge, etc.., not just the hunting part. My idea's so far are either the CourDalene, or Missoula areas. Any suggestions? I have to put in for MT by the 16th if that's the plan.

[HuntingFanatic]

skip idaho!!! lol thats the only advice i got!

[Dmanmastertracker]

 What's wrong with Idaho

[HuntingFanatic]

I am tainted. My father and I went last year. Spent time around St. Marie's and priest river.(south and north of courdelane) We just didnt see the critters. Some cool country. I also found A LOT of the locals to be down right rude. No smiles...no waves back....sneers. Made the experience that much more of a let down. We still made the most of our time....smiled and laughed. Saw way more moose, elk and bear sign than deer. Maybe you should go to Idaho!!!!! Less competition for a montana tag! I hope all works out for you wherever you go! And good for your wife! Good jobs are....well....good!

[Dmanmastertracker]

 Thanks, we just may have to make the drive to MT.

[rasbo]

sun river lodge in montana

[jrebel]

Stay away from the 327 and 329 units in montana if you want a nice deer.  Hunted it hard last year and the biggest buck I saw was a 1x2.  Elk wasn't bad though, saw and bugled a lot of nice bulls, just couldn't seal the deal.  Locals state the wolves are really bad in this area.  We encountered wolves 3 seperate times while bugleing.

[SHANE(WA)]

Panhandle ID got hammered on the deer last winter and I have heard huge losses already in the st maries area.Now MT hasnt gotten really that much snow, I was in Butte 3 weeks ago and didnt know what to do with seeing bare ground lol, saw lots of animals over there

[big iron]

last yr went to my buddies in columbia falls/ kalispell mt. half way between missoula and kalispell there is a place called hot springs, could be a thought for the misses and hunting there also.

[Dmanmastertracker]

 Thanks all, appreciated.

[boneaddict]

Elkins resort at Priest Lake.  Look it up online.  Cabins on the lake and the lodge for meals is outstanding.  NOT CHEAP!  Then hunt the panhandle, play with moose.

[bow-n-head]

sun river lodge in montana

Great hunting around there, but my wife would be less  than impressed to spend her vacation there. No spa treatment or even a hot tub, unless it has been added recently.