Montana Hunting

[Tecumseh]

I've hunted the Scapegoat Wilderness Area twice and next year the group I hunt with are thinking about doing a whitetail-Elk hunt in the Kootenai NF around the libby area.Would appreciate any info you could pass on.

[whitetailtrax]

Re: Montana Hunting

I have lots of experience hunting in the Libby area. I have hunted whitetails up there just about every year since 1991. The herd took a huge hit back in 96/97 due to an extreme winter and the herd has not fully recovered, but is getting there. Not sure what your goals are, but there are some good 130 - 150 class bucks in the population, with a handfull of booners running around and lots of younger bucks. Hunting is difficult because it's so thick in most areas. 90% of my hunting is done from ground blinds overlooking clearcut or natural openings. Walking closed roads with clearcuts is a good bet. Of course I have my favorite areas to hunt, but basically there are whitetails everywhere and one drainage is as good as the rest. I would steer clear of areas with too many open roads, as lots of folks "road hunt" and these areas get hit hard.

Elk hunting is very difficult on the Kootenai. There aren't a lot of elk, but there are some real bruisers running around. Unlike the whitetails, you won't find the elk just anywhere. You will need to do your research and be prepared for some tough hunting. One thing to think about also, is that there are some beautiful mule deer running around in the high country with the elk.

As for timing, the last week of season in late November is preferred for the whitetails, as the bucks are a little more visible during the rut and there is usually some snow to work with at that time. I will try to help in any way I can....short of telling you where my blinds are .

Mark