I originally planned an elk/deer hunt for the first week in Nov. on the northern side of the Crazy mtns. Two of us are going and we were going to do a backpack style hunt away from the roads trying to be as mobile as possible so we could move to get to the critters. It will be my buddy's first elk hunt. He started to do some research recently and found a drop camp in unit 327 on the south end of the Gravelly range. I do not know much about that area and I'm not really sure this kind of hunt is for me. You access the camp by atv and it is in the Beaverhead NF. If anyone has any insight on this area I'd really appreciate it. Also if you think my orginal plan is a better one tell me please.
North side of Crazy Mtns. or south side of the Gravelly range?
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Bitterroot Bulls
Veteran member
The Gravelly Range is not known as a trophy area, but some nice bulls have come out of there. There are good numbers of resident elk in the range, but it really can get thick with elk on good snow years, because it is a major winter range area. Like much of Western Montana, it is not what it used to be, due in large part to wolf predation.
Big numbers of elk, and big numbers of hunters. It is hard to get away from pressure in there, but there are a few honey holes left.
Big numbers of elk, and big numbers of hunters. It is hard to get away from pressure in there, but there are a few honey holes left.
Thanks for the info. I really appreciate it. In your opinion is my first plan better or are our chances for success better in the south end of the Gravelly Range?
Bitterroot Bulls
Veteran member
I think your chances are decent in either area. I think elk numbers would be greater in the Gravelly Range while you can find more solitude in the Crazys. Your chance at a big bull is better in the Crazys, but a chance at any bull is better in the Gravellys.
Hope that helps.
Hope that helps.