Montana public land elk in November

[kesand72]

So I pulled the trigger and applied for the Montana deer/elk combination tag. Never hunted Montana before, but have experience in Wyoming and New Mexico.
Mule deer are my priority, so i plan to rifle hunt a general area in mid November. The problem is, I would also like to spend 5 or 6 days chasing elk in southwest Montana on this hunt, but from the emails I have exchanged with several biologists, each one has discouraged the mid November time frame.
I'd like to give it a try North and Southeast of Dillon.
Am i wasting my time?

 

[Tim Hughes]

Mid November, east of Dillon...was I wasting my time?

 

[MTHunter]

For deer yes, that is not a good area for deer by any means. Elk is a different story as there is some good elk hunting around Dillon. Realistically you should plan a different area for deer, central or Eastern Montana you will find good deer hunting.

 

[kesand72]

View attachment 16039

Mid November, east of Dillon...was I wasting my time?

Thats a piggy Tim Hughes! Public land?

 

[kesand72]

For deer yes, that is not a good area for deer by any means. Elk is a different story as there is some good elk hunting around Dillon. Realistically you should plan a different area for deer, central or Eastern Montana you will find good deer hunting.

Yes I just ordered blm maps for district 7 deer. Just feeling discouraged about the public elk prospects for mid November.
I'm giving it a shot regardless!

 

[Tim Hughes]

Thanks! Now that there are leftover elk/deer combo tags, Montana is my back up plan if I don't draw anywhere else. I don't go out there until at least the first week of November. The deer are starting to rut then and the elk usually begin to migrate from the high country with some weather. I also like to deer hunt further east, usually near Red Lodge. Don't even hesitate, just go. Some of the most beautiful country you will ever see!

 

[kesand72]

Thanks Tim! Really can't wait to get after em!

 

[MTHunter]

I also like to point out the fishing license and upland bird license you will get. Make a scouting trip this summer and do some camping along with some mountain stream, river, or lake fishing. We have world class fishing and some great upland bird hunting. If I was a non resident I would make it a 2 week trip in November where I would spend a few days bird hunting. As another bonus you will step foot in some of the most beautiful diverse country in the lower 48. And the small town old fashion ways and hospitality is just an added bonus.

 

[missjordan]

There's good deer in the dillon area, just gotta know where to go. Not really a place where you'll find 180 class deer but plenty of deer in the 130-160 class range. We're spending the first two weeks of November down there this rifle season. I really like the area because you can also use your general elk tag to shoot cow elk as well. If you have any questions please feel free to pm me

 

[MTHunter]

Nice mule deer

 

[Montana]

That's a big bull for that country. Everyone pretty much nailed it on the head. You're research is over Seriously. Make a summer time scouting trip to get the fill experience, fish and camp in some of the most beautiful country. Take a couple of weeks during the hunting season. Hunt deer in the central or Eastern part of the state. And the head to Dillon for elk.
Here's my advice. You MUST get off the roads or it will be a miserable experience for you. Sounds easy but when you see and hear of everyone harvesting elk from the roads (trust me you will) it's tempting to get in that mix, but dont. Enjoy solitude and beautiful country.

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[kesand72]

Great pics Missjordan! Thanks for the encouragement. I have blm maps coming so hopefully I can put a plan together.

 

[kesand72]

So I finished my Montana hunt last week! A few things got changed around, including my girlfriend drawing a unit 500 antelope tag.
We chased antelope n elk around Harlowton on public ground and bma. Got skunked but had a great time! She had never been hunting or out west before n loved it all!
We relocated to Broadus on Halloween for mulies n i took a decent 4x4 on Nov 1! All in all, a great time, and I'd like to get back there for more muley hunting!!

 

[missjordan]

Glad to hear you guys had fun! Any pics you'd like to share? [emoji846]


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[kesand72]

I wish i could figure out how to post em! The couple I've posted before were with my kids help!! ��