Bob Marshall Wilderness

[Sytes]

Anyone with backcountry experience in the Marshall? Working on the maps, contact with FWP, and convo's with FS, currently. Looking at doing a scouting run into the 150/151 area for summer. Plan to make a hunt of it come September. I have an area in general though you know how it goes... the more info the bestter off the trip(s) will be.
Info on Outfitter activity, Griz activity, camp opportunities, fishing hints/tips for Summer and Fall and I'll never turn away hunting hints/tips - though you can PM those...

My first go into the backcountry of the Bob via horse. I've hiked many years ago though more from the Ovando / southern side and once via Hungry Horse. I'm thinking of making a go along the western side though still checking out routes into the 151 area as well. Need to get working on the tag situation for this season and the deer/ek permits due soon... If you have some pics within, please post up. I take it the vegetation is reasonable to non Bob areas within NW MT. Are trails cleared for the most part? I would imagine the main horse trails are a given though info on typical conditions would be great.

Basically any open general info you are able to provide, it would be great to read and any more... specific info you would part with - would be much appreciated, vial pm. if you prefer not to open it to the world wide web.

Your pics are always enjoyable as well.

 

[Mountainguide]

I have lots of experience in the bob. The trails are usually maintained pretty good, but chances are you'll find a tree or two in your way. Lots of outfitters but there's so much country there you will probably only see them on the trail. Any other specific info you want feel free to pm

 

[TheJason]

Sytes,

You can get all of the approved outfitter camps through the administering ranger district. You may have to file a FOIA, but they are public records. You will also want a map of all approved drop camp sites too. There are a lot of outfitters in there, and you will find outfitter camps in every main drainage.

Plan on a shit ton of bears. Keep a clean camp and you should be fine there.

The trails SHOULD be in pretty good shape. Your main concern will be the areas that burned 4-10 years ago. Anytime you get precip and some wind, a bunch of trees come down. Plan on being able to cut your way out if need be.

Be willing to cover some ground. The fastest recipe for disappointment is to expect to hunt right out of camp every day and find elk.

 

[flyingvmt]

Dang JLS....Those pics are awesome. Thanks for sharing. I have only heard stories of hunting the migration up there since moving up to Montana a few years ago. Hope to do a hunt in there someday.

 

[Irrelevant]

JLS those made my day.

 

[Sytes]

Thanks for the pm's and info here. Bucket list type enjoyment. Any info is better than no info. Great pics JLS!

Anyone with quality contacts for FWP Biologists, USFS and others related to the Bob would be great as well - PM me.

We dig pics in HT. Any Bob pics post up. When the Summer trip comes around and the fall hunt wraps up - I'll try to pass on the experience. Hopefully a good one.

Info... Info... Info...

 

[RobG]

The man himself





Little Salmon Creek, Summer 2006










Outfitter Camp


Outfitter Camp Humor

 

[TheJason]

 

[Straight Arrow]

JLS, thanks for sharing. Great wilderness views. Nice looking horses too.

 

[TheJason]

More.

 

[TheJason]

And more.

 

[theat]

The Bob is a magnificent place. Here are a few pics from my pack rafting trip last summer.

 

[LuketheDog]

Great pics guys!

 

[macnshana]

Im doing the exact same hunt you are this year. We plan on scouting some trails via horses once the weather starts to change. I've gotten some great info off here that's helped me make decisions on where to head in. I also found a book as well as a map that have helped me a lot. I got both off Amazon. Should be a great adventure.

 

[TheJason]

Here are a few additional thoughts on this hunt (I have not done this hunt in about 10 years, so this may not be completely accurate as of NOW).

1) It is very popular
2) You will see a fair number of people.
3) Most won't get very far from camp, their horses, and/or the trail
4) Elk populations are decent, but you will work to find them after opening day
5) Be prepared for shitty weather - I spent five days in the South Fork on fall and saw the sun for about 30 minutes. I felt like a duck.
6) Have a good crosscut saw

 

[BigHornRam]

Pack-raft trip looks like a cool way to visit the Bob!

 

[noharleyyet]

Thanks for the pics all...

 

[TheJason]

One more for noharley. Continental Divide is in the background.

 

[Nameless Range]

Yes thanks to all for the pictures. Lived in Montana for 25 years but never really explored The Bob.

Feel free to post more of them!

 

[noharleyyet]

Awesome JLS...boss hoss for sure.