jryoung
Well-known member
I've been looking over maps and data over the last couple of weeks trying to figure out a hunt in Montana for me and my Dad. My will be 68 and while in decent shape he has some mobility issues (bad back and hips....hoping to fix the hips this spring). This will probably be his last hunt in Montana (where he hunted as a kid), so while his hunting days are winding down I'd like to hunt a variety of areas the next couple of years.
Anyway, I've been looking at harvest data from MT and private productions (Eastmans etc). I'd like to find someplace that isn't too brutal of terrain. He lives in Northern Idaho and if the ups and downs there won't kill you the underbrush will.
I started looking in SW Montana in areas like 323, 324, and 325. Statistics on the area seem good as all we want is meat so bull or cow makes no difference to us. But, terrain seemed a bit rough...or at least could be.
I then starting looking over in the east side of the state at 704 and the Custer NF. While the elk numbers aren't high, success numbers are right at about 20% but since there are long valleys that I could set my Dad up in is attractive. The catch here is the elk draw, and that we may need to move a lot to find them. Given that it is a 12ish hour drive from Idaho, scouting will be limited.
So, I'm back to the westside of the state, trying to determine an area that won't be too tough on him, is close enough for a couple scouting trips this summer, will be a good opportunity for us to bring home some meat.
If you all have any thoughts I'd sure appreciate it....and you'd make my old man real happy
Feel free to PM if you like.
Cheers.
Anyway, I've been looking at harvest data from MT and private productions (Eastmans etc). I'd like to find someplace that isn't too brutal of terrain. He lives in Northern Idaho and if the ups and downs there won't kill you the underbrush will.
I started looking in SW Montana in areas like 323, 324, and 325. Statistics on the area seem good as all we want is meat so bull or cow makes no difference to us. But, terrain seemed a bit rough...or at least could be.
I then starting looking over in the east side of the state at 704 and the Custer NF. While the elk numbers aren't high, success numbers are right at about 20% but since there are long valleys that I could set my Dad up in is attractive. The catch here is the elk draw, and that we may need to move a lot to find them. Given that it is a 12ish hour drive from Idaho, scouting will be limited.
So, I'm back to the westside of the state, trying to determine an area that won't be too tough on him, is close enough for a couple scouting trips this summer, will be a good opportunity for us to bring home some meat.
If you all have any thoughts I'd sure appreciate it....and you'd make my old man real happy
Feel free to PM if you like.
Cheers.
