HD 446 question

[8andcounting]

I am curious.... I have hunted 448 , and 416 a little bit, but I notice that harvest stats ( I know may not be 100% accurate) are pretty high in this HD, for example in 2015 over 1,000 elk were killed in this hd , atleast according to the fwp stats . So what makes this such a good area , or isn't it ? and I know its largely private but there is some FS and pretty big chunks of bm . Is this a big outfitter area ? are the elk all getting killed on private ? and is this a HD that only produces when it snows up high and drives the elk down? Any input would be appreciated . Assuming I get denied for a special permit ill be carrying the gen combo again and this hd is only few hours from where I hunt deer so im thinking of trying it for a few days. Thanks, any info helps.

 

[HighWildFree]

Yes...to pretty much all of your questions. The Galt Ranch is probably half of 446. If 1000 elk where killed in 446, I'd comfortably say at least 250 came off of Galt Any private land with elk is leased and the outfitters know how to keep them on the ranch. That being said there is some good hunting on public in 446 but it's not where you would think it is. If you like watching big herds of elk on the private next door, 446 would be a good unit.

 

[8andcounting]

Ok thanks , maybe the state land would be worth a try ? and I see Galts have a big chunk of bm too but I'm guessing there's a reason for that probably no elk in that area and being a type 2 I'm sure it gets pounded . Thanks

 

[HighWildFree]

BMAs can be good. But you just have to be there at the right time. Same for state lands. Honestly, not much different than 416. Just less public.

 

[teamhoyt]

I Would guess a big part of the 1000 elk killed were cows on the shoulder hunts