Hey folks!
Long time big game hunter, archery and rifle, from Missoula. Transferred jobs from MSO to BZN mid september...not ideal! I had never hunted around Bozeman, and only know a few folks down here, so I didn't have anything to start with. I've made a couple trips back to my MSO spots (Philipsburg area and Blackfoot drainage); should have had a bull down, did manage to harvest a beautiful Black Bear. A lot of driving though!
I am not just here to solicit unearned info. I have been hiking my butt off with little to show for it as far as good spots go. Obviously, an area as plentiful as this takes years to really nail down, I get that. I was wondering if anyone would be so generous as to give their two cents on where I've been hunting, and what my plans for the rest of the season are (below). I will happily trade info on what I know, I can offer delicious bear sausage and jerky if you're local, and I'd be more than happy to be on standby for packout help!
Where I've been hunting
Thanks all!
Daltrix
Long time big game hunter, archery and rifle, from Missoula. Transferred jobs from MSO to BZN mid september...not ideal! I had never hunted around Bozeman, and only know a few folks down here, so I didn't have anything to start with. I've made a couple trips back to my MSO spots (Philipsburg area and Blackfoot drainage); should have had a bull down, did manage to harvest a beautiful Black Bear. A lot of driving though!
I am not just here to solicit unearned info. I have been hiking my butt off with little to show for it as far as good spots go. Obviously, an area as plentiful as this takes years to really nail down, I get that. I was wondering if anyone would be so generous as to give their two cents on where I've been hunting, and what my plans for the rest of the season are (below). I will happily trade info on what I know, I can offer delicious bear sausage and jerky if you're local, and I'd be more than happy to be on standby for packout help!
Where I've been hunting
- Best elk encounter was in the north Gallatins just outside of town. Called the same bull in twice to about 70yds. It is THICK in there, and it was a brutal hike, have done it a couple times. Other than the one day with him, slow. Lots of pressure too.
- I have logged quite a few miles in the East Bridgers, usually working the edge of private. I've cut tracks a few times but have not heard or seen any elk.
- Just earlier this week I did a seven mile loop in the deer creek drainage south of Big Timber. Really nice country, saw a decent Muley buck. Very dry for elk. I have good word that the further south one goes into the Absorakas here, the elk hunting gets good. I do have one spot in there from a biologist that's supposedly great, but it is a long FS road drive and supposedly a grizzly pit. I'd rather not hunt it solo; let me know if anyone is interested! I can't get my Missoula buddies to make that long of a drive for a new spot.
- Finally, I have hiked a bit in the NF above private just south of Livingston. I have seen a ton of elk...all on private. I'm sure this area has a few honey holes on public, but I haven't found them yet.
- I got access to some private in the horseshoe hills north of Belgrade. Biologist told me it's boom or bust in there as the elk move around between properties. Anyone with experience here? Looks like tough archery country, being so open, but I am going to try it this weekend anyways. Probably great for rifle season.
- CRAZIES. I have had two reputable fellas tell me to get into the Crazies. Obviously that's a lot to chew on, so I've been e-scouting hard. I am looking at driving as far as I can into the NW part of the mountains - Shields River area - and hunting the timber. Again, not asking for your spots, but if you could let me know how on or off base I might be with this, and feel free to PM, that would be awesome.
Thanks all!
Daltrix
