I just got an email that my name came up for a game damage roster hunt. I know the idea of these hunts but have a couple questions. I was sent a map of the open area and a list with three landowners on it. There is public land in the open area, so can i go and hunt that or is this a call the landowner and do what they say type of hunt. You know shoot em out of my haybales type of deal. How many hunters get this letter to go hunt at a time? If any of you have done a roster hunt before please chime in. Thanks
Roster hunt?
- Thread starter Dieseldog
- Start date
whiskeydog
Active member
I'm assuming this is in MT? What district? I just got done with a damage hunt and managed to get a cow. Tyically they will call 10-12 people/week for the hunts and they are usually on the private land (thus "damage hunt"...the elk are damaging the ranchers hay). Depending on the area, it may be that you have to contact the landowner prior to going or it may just be a sign-in box when you get there. Usually, someone from FWP will call you first to tell you that you've been selected. The letter you get in the mail should spell out whether you have to contact the landowner or sign in. There should also be contact info the for the local warden and bio...call them for the best info. As far as opportunity, these hunts can be good or bad. Three years ago I did one where the hunters ran the elk off the private the first week of the hunt and on to a neighbors private that wasn't part of the damage hunt. 500 elk sitting 200 yards across the fence, laying around, smiling, and knowing they were safe. I did another this year (and it helps that I was called for the second week of the hunt), but the elk were on a large private area with cover in the middle that they could retreat to when pressured. snow was deep enough to keep 95% of the people on the roads. I put 10 miles on in fairly deep snow the first day and had a chance at an elk but blew it...went back a few days later and caught some cows in the hay stack...home by noon. call the bio or the warden and they should be able to tell you all you need to know.
It is MT unit 622. Yes there are three landowners listed to call but the map also shows a good chunk of public land. So guessing theyare coming down to fields or hay in the afternoon. Gonna call the fwp contact today and get more info.
double_a85
Member
I have done multiple 622 game damage hunts. In my experience... its not that easy. Plan on working just as hard as you would during the regular season. The elk aren't stupid and know where they can get away from the pressure.
PM me if you want to give some more detailed info on the landowners and I can give ya some suggestions.
