Mt 417-20

[Forkyfinder]

So this is a post based on 417-20, lots of mixed reviews of the unit anyone who’s actually killed a decent bull on public land on here any pictures?

Over rated unit - and way worse lately than before.

Hunted it a bit 3 years ago.

 

[Drake4]

So this is a post based on 417-20, lots of mixed reviews of the unit anyone who’s actually killed a decent bull on public land on here any pictures?

I’ve killed a 350+ bull in 417

 

[MThuntr]

Hey moose can you msg me some info

I looked at his account and he hasn't signed in since the forum refresh suggesting he hasn't been around for several years.

Good luck with the tag. Honestly the elk there are going to start moving to private land once hunters start showing up in the next few days. Info from a forum will be old news next week so being mobile and willing to put on miles on your feet will determine your success.

Stick to the known basics...water, food, and shaded bedding areas and you'll do well.

 

[Deez Nutz]

Hey man, how did your hunt go?

 

[Elktuff]

Went ok it’s a hard unit to hunt lots of elk on private property but if you hammer it long enough you can catch something slipping

 

[Dbedell]

Hi all, I know this is an old thread but was doing some research on 417 and this thread popped up. MT draw results just dropped and am excited to say I got the rifle elk tag! I have been a west side of the divide general unit archery hunter for years now and this is my first draw unit elk hunt. Looking forward to hearing about any advice anyone may be willing to give for hunting over there. Thanks so much!

 

[Forkyfinder]

Hi all, I know this is an old thread but was doing some research on 417 and this thread popped up. MT draw results just dropped and am excited to say I got the rifle elk tag! I have been a west side of the divide general unit archery hunter for years now and this is my first draw unit elk hunt. Looking forward to hearing about any advice anyone may be willing to give for hunting over there. Thanks so much!

Thread 'Elk Drawing Results. All help appreciated! TIA' https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/elk-drawing-results-all-help-appreciated-tia.332538/

This thread gives insight to a proper way to get some useful tips

 

[brownbear932008]

Hi all, I know this is an old thread but was doing some research on 417 and this thread popped up. MT draw results just dropped and am excited to say I got the rifle elk tag! I have been a west side of the divide general unit archery hunter for years now and this is my first draw unit elk hunt. Looking forward to hearing about any advice anyone may be willing to give for hunting over there. Thanks so much!

Congrats but unless you have private access over there I wouldn't be to excited. Not an easy draw tag to hunt especially if you're looking for a big bull. Any bull yeah doable. Those elk like to hole up on private.

 

[Deez Nutz]

Last year I hiked 33 miles before I saw a single elk on public in 417 rifle.

 

[8andcounting]

Congrats but unless you have private access over there I wouldn't be to excited. Not an easy draw tag to hunt especially if you're looking for a big bull. Any bull yeah doable. Those elk like to hole up on private.

I can second this . Unless you have private lined up this is a tough hunt

 

[Elktuff]

Congrats but unless you have private access over there I wouldn't be to excited. Not an easy draw tag to hunt especially if you're looking for a big bull. Any bull yeah doable. Those elk like to hole up on private.

 

[hockey4life]

I can second this . Unless you have private lined up this is a tough hunt

Great looking country, but quickly disapointing on how little to no elk on any public land.

 

[hockey4life]

Congrats but unless you have private access over there I wouldn't be to excited. Not an easy draw tag to hunt especially if you're looking for a big bull. Any bull yeah doable. Those elk like to hole up on private.

I was lucky enough to find a group of bulls on public In 2022. Got a 310ish 6x6. My friends dad had the tag in 2025. Not one elk was seen on public land in 2025.

 

[hockey4life]

My brother has a lot more time than me to hunt and has already passed something like 20 bulls. I feel like we have got a pretty good handle on where to find some elk in 417. If folks who draw the rifle tag in the future want to reach out for some tips, I would be happy to do what I can to help.

Im a little late to the game. In 2025 my friends dad had the tag. We were unable to find any elk. I have the tag this year. Tried securing some private access. No luck there. I was wondering if you have any updated info. Anything at this time would be much appreciated!

 

[Deez Nutz]

Im a little late to the game. In 2025 my friends dad had the tag. We were unable to find any elk. I have the tag this year. Tried securing some private access. No luck there. I was wondering if you have any updated info. Anything at this time would be much appreciated!

Last year my wife and I both had this permit. We had access to an airplane and flew into some landlocked parcels, and we also hunted from the road system as well. We logged 33 boot miles before we laid eyes on an elk on public.

 

[Point Creep]

In 2020 my friend and I had permits. We used a helicopter and flew 12 hours looking for elk. When that didn’t turn any up, we paid a $4500 trespass fee on a private ranch, then logged 146 boot miles before we even saw a cow.

 

[cgasner1]

In 2020 my friend and I had permits. We used a helicopter and flew 12 hours looking for elk. When that didn’t turn any up, we paid a $4500 trespass fee on a private ranch, then logged 146 boot miles before we even saw a cow.

Sounds like we need more tags in this unit

 

[sclancy27]

Sounds like we need more tags in this unit

It's obviously NR. The 19 NR that drew the tag this year are ruining the hunting.....

 

[Straight Arrow]

we even saw a cow.

and it was a black angus.

 

[Forkyfinder]

In 2020 my friend and I had permits. We used a helicopter and flew 12 hours looking for elk. When that didn’t turn any up, we paid a $4500 trespass fee on a private ranch, then logged 146 boot miles before we even saw a cow.

How was the deer hunting pressure?

That part has at least changed for the positive.