Bitterroot Mule Deer 261/270

[mtmuley]

Did you end up hunting the public at all? Seems like a lot of the big, good looking, private ranches are owned by people like Mildenberger or have out-of-state tax addresses both of which I feel like are not even worth the effort to ask.

I feel like smaller private land pieces aren't really worth asking unless its hunting season and you see a buck on the property right then.

Any thoughts on this?

I doubt you will gain access to any private land in 261 worth hunting. mtmuley

 

[cmartynn]

A lot of bucks killed in 261 before the spilt were taken in what is now 262. The split forced guys to pick a unit. Public was always tougher, and tougher yet now. The years haven't been kind to 261. mtmuley

Well, I think I still got a good shot at a big ole mountain buck. Better than a general unit anyway. Even if the unit was whole hunting the farmlands doesn't interest me much.

 

[dmandoes]

Those are some great deer and stories, thanks for sharing! The biggest buck I've ever shot was 145ish back in 2017(I think this was net but I can't remember). You guys should tell me what you think it would score.


I'm excited to see a higher percentage of mature bucks on this hunt, but like you, I'm not very good at judging "a high-scoring buck". I just like to shoot whatever buck makes me excited.

I ended up shooting a small buck last year because it had some cool non-typical points but really should have passed especially because it was the last day of the season. So with this tag, my main goal is to hold out and enjoy the hunt as long as possible and if it comes between eating my tag and shooting a 150-inch mule deer I'd rather just eat tag soup knowing I hunted hard till the end.

I wouldn't do that. Pick out one of the older bucks that can't grow a 4x4 rack.

 

[mtmuley]

Well, I think I still got a good shot at a big ole mountain buck. Better than a general unit anyway. Even if the unit was whole hunting the farmlands doesn't interest me much.

Good luck. mtmuley

 

[Point Creep]

I doubt you will gain access to any private land in 261 worth hunting. mtmuley

Bet i could, but I don't apply.

 

[mtmuley]

Bet i could, but I don't apply.

Yeah, but you ain't the normal applicant. I could too. But wouldn't. mtmuley

 

[alpinemule08]

Strange.. Me and my buddy pulled the tag this year as well.. with the tag cut down to 10, half of the permit holders are here?

 

[mtmuley]

Strange.. Me and my buddy pulled the tag this year as well.. with the tag cut down to 10, half of the permit holders are here?

You apply as a party? mtmuley

 

[alpinemule08]

Yea we did, just noticed the one gentleman recently made an account so it would make sense I suppose. I still question Montana’s software used from what I’ve gathered over the years though so who knows if there are more tag holders out there.

 

[mtmuley]

So.ethi

Yea we did, just noticed the one gentleman recently made an account so it would make sense I suppose. I still question Montana’s software used from what I’ve gathered over the years though so who knows if there are more tag holders out there.

Something needs to change with the party app shit and these LE tags. It just doesn't make sense. I know a tag holder that drew Landowner. And I bet with a phone call I can find another one. mtmuley

 

[alpinemule08]

Yea there is a lot that needs to change in MT. As for party apps go and for what it’s worth, over 20 years of points were used between us. I agree though. There is something fishy with party apps from the stories I’ve heard.

 

[mtmuley]

Yea there is a lot that needs to change in MT. As for party apps go and for what it’s worth, over 20 years of points were used between us. I agree though. There is something fishy with party apps from the stories I’ve heard.

Just doesn't make sense with 10 tags available and landowners thrown into the mix. I also wouldn't want to hunt an LE tag with a buddy. Just me. mtmuley

 

[tkhuntsman]

A friend of mine killed this buck in 2018 on Thanksgiving day. We hunted hard the entire season and honestly only saw maybe 2 deer bigger but one was on private and the other was crossing a ridge never to be seen again.

 

[typhoon916]

Hi everyone! Hope the draw was in your favor this year!

I certainly felt lucky when I saw I pulled a 261 muley tag with only 6 points! I live in Missoula and work in Ravalli county so I’ll have plenty of time to scout and explore the unit!

I know 261/270 are often considered Montana’s best mule deer units. I’m curious what the general consensus is on unit 261. Is a 180”+ public buck possible?

If any one has experience hunting unit 261 or has pictures of bucks from the area they are willing to share I would greatly appreciate the info. Not looking for spots or specifics I’m happy to figure that out on my own.

Super excited about the tag and will be sure to post pictures from scouting and the hunt.

Drew a NM deer tag .

 

[mtmuley]

Drew a NM deer tag .

Huh? mtmuley

 

[brockel]

Huh? mtmuley

Got my fishing license again this year

 

[DFS]

Got my fishing license again this year

I was fortunate enough to get a general deer and elk tag this year.

Edit: and a super tag chance.

 

[mtmuley]

Edit: and a super tag chance.

Well, you are still the game. mtmuley

 

[BAKPAKR]

Well, you are still the game. mtmuley

SERIOUSly?

 

[mtmuley]

SERIOUSly?

I know the game. mtmuley