Montana Elk HD 310 info

[Arrow Slinger]

New to the forum and western big game hunting. A friend of mine and I are looking into hunting Montana DIY elk archery season this fall and was reading the MRS and I noticed that HD 310 is split into two hunts. One of the hunts is a special hunt that only gives out 5 tags to MT residents this hunt area is on the eastern side of the district that touches Yellowstone. The other hunt is for the rest of HD310 and is unlimited quota but you have to draw for it. It says the unit has a very high success rates for 100% draw odds. I know there are wolves and grizzlies in this unit and the terrain is very rough but is there something I'm missing? I would love to trade my knowledge on Kansas whitetail and turkeys for DIY MT elk info. Any insight on this unit or any other unit for that matter is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!!!

Josh

 

[joens]

You haven't received any info so I will see what I can do. Many areas in Montana only require a general tag so if you get your license you can hunt there . some areas require a draw with limited tags. I don't know why but this part of 310 requires a draw but gives unlimited permits. I would base your decision to go there or not on whether it is where you want to go not because you are guaranteed a tag.

 

[Arrow Slinger]

Thanks! I'm new to elk hunting so any pointers are greatly appreciated. We are looking into Montana since we are wanting to make this a yearly trip and we are pretty much guaranteed a tag each year. Hopefully find and area that we can go back to year after year that has some elk and is not crowded with people.

 

[SPAZ]

About 1500 people get that permit every year. The area is not that big. It's also a great wolf hunting destination. Those who draw one of the 5 buffer zone permits are in for a treat though.

 

[Sioux33]

There are some nice bulls that come out of there, that's for sure. If you look at the all time B&C records, you'll see Park County sits atop at #1, which this district falls in. Never hunted it, but I'm also researching it myself.

 

[TimberJunkie]

I think you could focus time in other areas with similar terrain and elk populations, a general tag will open up the door more for you. if you have a permit for 310, then you are confined to that unit. With a nonresident, this is a tough decision, having never been there, its a hard to be committed to a small area. I know of a few guys that hunt unit 300, 302, and 328. Its a little further west that 310, but the bowhunt in a few different places in those units and have been very successful. The mountain are big, but finding some undisturbed real estate can be tricky in smaller units. Unless I know the area I am going to, I like to have other options. which means packing up and driving two hours to a new area, and giving it a few days, I will stay and hunt an area if I am seeing game, but if they animals aren't there, its time to look elsewhere.

 

[Arrow Slinger]

Everything I've read says the wolves and grizzlies have taken a toll on the elk population since they were introduced but the quality of animals is better than most general units. According to the MRS table they only gave out 285 tags in 2014 for HD310 unless I'm missing something. I've requested info from the District 3 Wildlife biologist I'll let you know if they provide me with any useful information.

 

[TimberJunkie]

Everything I've read says the wolves and grizzlies have taken a toll on the elk population since they were introduced but the quality of animals is better than most general units. According to the MRS table they only gave out 285 tags in 2014 for HD310 unless I'm missing something. I've requested info from the District 3 Wildlife biologist I'll let you know if they provide me with any useful information.

I would call the biologist a few times. Have a list of questions, ask about areas to camp, roadless areas, if any guides use the area, and what areas they hunt. try to ask specific questions, use Google earth and scope out some major drainages, etc. when you talk to the bio ask about those specific geographic locations. they cover such a huge area, I have found if helpful to give them some info, and let them elaborate. Many Montana bios are hunters, they will lead you in the right direction, but wont give up the honey hole.

 

[TimberJunkie]

Everything I've read says the wolves and grizzlies have taken a toll on the elk population since they were introduced but the quality of animals is better than most general units. According to the MRS table they only gave out 285 tags in 2014 for HD310 unless I'm missing something. I've requested info from the District 3 Wildlife biologist I'll let you know if they provide me with any useful information.

You are correct about 285 tags, that's because only 285 hunter applied to that unit, there are unlimited tags for the unit but you have to specifically apply for that unit, its not included in the general draw, not sure the reason. but anyone who wants to hunt that unit can apply and get the tag. note, the special management area of 310 only has 5 tags....

 

[Bitterroot Bucks]

It's little known, but you can actually use your unlimited elk permit in this unit on a bull moose if the spread is less than 40". Something to keep in mind if you're a meat hunter.

 

[SPAZ]

Bitteroot Bucks, that's funny.

Let me help some of you guys.

1) The unit is not in Park County. It's in Gallatin County.
2) You can hunt any general unit in MT for elk, if you have the 310 permit. You're not limited to hunting that district only. That's only with mule deer buck permits.
3) About 1500 people annually get the 310 unlimited permit, as you can still get them after the drawing. For that many hunters, it's not that big.
4) there's more country in 310 than anybody could possibly hunt during the entire season, roaded and roadless.
5) lots of wolves and bears (both kinds)

 

[SPAZ]

Arrow Slinger, the MRS table is incorrect, apparently, by a huge margin.