Guest RJK Posted February 6, 2006 Report Share Posted February 6, 2006 I am planning an archery elk hunt in Montana and have a few questions. I will be doing a self guided hunt on public land most likely 5 days. My first question is for those of you that have done a self-guided elk hunt, how much did you end up spending on the trip not including your tag? The Montana tags are combination elk/deer tags, does this mean I can shoot a deer and an elk? What are some things I will need to bring with me besides the normal weekend camping and hunting gear? What are some of the things you didn't take with you but wish you would have? What are some good websites for information such as maps and land access that will help me in planning the trip? Thanks for your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ronin Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: First Elk Hunt - Got some questions I'm not sure about your tag issue because I hunt Idaho primarily. I would bring rain gear, a small pack with basic survival stuff, especially a compass or GPS. You could end up walking a bit and if it's cloudy, finding direction can be tough in a new area. I also always take a cell phone with a fresh battery...turned off til you need it of course. Bring some food, water, space blanket and water purification tabs. I always hunt with the ability to live in the woods for a couple of days if I have to. You may be hunting in Griz country and if so, they can be a pain. I believe Montana allows you to carry a pistol during your archery hunt, check to be sure. I carry a .45 with me that can be drawn quckly. My wife and I were trailed by the same bear on two separate hunting days. Needless to say that bear came close to meeting it's maker. Go to the Montana fish and game site for basic info then talk to the local biologist and warden for the area you will hunt. You can order US Geological Survey maps from the Bureau of Land Management Office in the general vicinity you will be hunting. Just call information to get the number or log on to their web site. Normally, the first map is free and there is a nominal fee for others. I did this for my CA Tule elk hunt and it paid off in dividends on opening morning. The local BLM manager for the area put right on top of the elk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetailtrax Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: First Elk Hunt - Got some questions I could go on for hours discussing this! PM any specific questions you have - I am always willing to help. First and foremost, you need to apply by March 15. You can apply for the "Big Game combo" which is both deer and elk or just apply for elk or deer seperately. You need to read the regulations to figure out what you want to apply for. This is a lottery style drawing and so you may or may not get drawn. Follow this link to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks homepage and then go from there: http://fwp.mt.gov/default.html Your costs will vary depending on how you plan on getting here, are you renting a vehicle, staying in a hotel, etc? Again, let me know if you have more questions through this thread or PM me. Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billkay Posted February 8, 2006 Report Share Posted February 8, 2006 Re: First Elk Hunt - Got some questions We did a self guided hunt in New Mex. Some quick thoughts. GPS, and extra batteries. May want to take soem MRE's in case you're caught away from camp or there's too much rain to cook outside the tent. Extra tent for keep your gear dry. Name and phone # of a local processor that can bone, freeze, and store your meat till you leave for home. Frame pack for packing out meat. Light weight rain gear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest RJK Posted February 8, 2006 Report Share Posted February 8, 2006 Re: First Elk Hunt - Got some questions Thanks for the info fellas. Can you camp on the public lands in Montana? Are the frame packs a must or are they just well worth the cost? Do you recommend the traditional field dressing method or the gutless method? Is the gutless method legal in Montana? Does the nonresident archery elk lottery sell out every year? I am shooting an AR31, 29" draw length, 65 lbs, 28 1/2 inch 2314 XX75 tipped with Muzzy 100 grn 3 blade braod heads, will this set work for elk or do I should I switch to heavier arrows? I know I am all over the map with these questions, but man there is a lot to think about for this trip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetailtrax Posted February 8, 2006 Report Share Posted February 8, 2006 Re: First Elk Hunt - Got some questions Good questions! Camping is legal on most public land in Montana like Forest Service and BLM. There are also numerous designated camping areas on state and federal land throughout the state. Frame packs are a must for packing out your meat and/or quarters. Rarely will you shoot an elk close anough to the truck to drag it, but it does happen. You can use whatever method you like for gutting your elk in Montana. Evidence of sex must remain with the animal though until processed, so if you shoot a cow you will need to leave the teets attached. Yes, all elk licenses sell out - so it is a true lottery system. When you apply for a tag, you are applying for the whole state - so if you get drawn, you will be able to hunt anywhere in the state following the specific regulations for that district. You will have an opportunity to apply for a special tag if you choose, to hunt in "special" districts that are basically trophy districts. You will need a set of regulations to know and learn the regs for each district. Your bow setup is just fine for elk. I wouldn't change a thing. I will PM you my phone number if you want to talk more about all this - I know its confusing! Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest RJK Posted February 10, 2006 Report Share Posted February 10, 2006 Re: First Elk Hunt - Got some questions When camping can I have open fires, will I need to store food in bear proof containers? Do I need a park pass? Can I have open fires? What region of the state would you hunt to avoid alot of other hunters yet still have a good chance at filling a tag? Have you ever been harashed by other hunters or outfitters? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elkoholic Posted February 11, 2006 Report Share Posted February 11, 2006 Re: First Elk Hunt - Got some questions You can have open fires unless fire conditions are such that there are restrictions in place, and that varies from year to year. Bear proof containers are a good idea, but not required unless hunting in the Bob Marshall or other wilderness areas. These containers can be rented from the Forest Service at a reasonable rate. There are far too many places in Montana to get away from other hunters to mention, but in general, the farther you get away from any roads the better the hunting. Which brings up an interesting point, the Bob Marshall wilderness can actually get quite crowded with hunters, as the rifle season starts September 15th and the many outfitters are joined by a large contingent of locals who pack in by horse back. Some of the best elk hunting is in Sanders county or Lincoln county. These are usually areas of thick cover and steep country. For more open areas look to the area around Bozeman or Butte and on south to Yellowstone. The Little and Big Belt mountains are also a good bet. No park pass required and I personally have never been harassed by other hunters or an outfitter. Most of the time I never see another hunter while actually hunting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest RJK Posted February 16, 2006 Report Share Posted February 16, 2006 Re: First Elk Hunt - Got some questions Can you apply for a tag in Montana using the buddy system, i.e. me and my brother are planning this trip so if we put in on the buddy system we each get a tag or we don't, this way one of use will not be left tag less. What are some things I should look for in a frame pack? Is a pack with an exterior frame better or worse than a pack with an interior frame? I take it that since you will be hiking some distance with these things they are a pretty personal piece of equipment, i.e. you should not buy one without trying it on first? Does this sound right to some of you that have done a self guided public lands elk hunt, your biggest expense will be the tag, then gas, then equipment (I do not own a frame pack), then food? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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