My wife and I just moved to Billings, Montana for my job and to be honest I'm overwhelmed with the amount of gear and knowledge I lack for the archery elk hunt this year. Ive read Mike Eastmans book on elk hunting and I've been accumulating gear on my tight budget but my real concern is that I've gone on 4 scouting trips and haven't really felt good about what I found. I found old droppings and lightly used trails but nothing to write home about. I've checked out 324(long drive) and 540 but I'm thinking about maybe changing to the NE Crazy MTNS or the Bridgers near flathead pass with my general tag. I'm just looking for my first elk and I'm not trophy hunting but I'm wondering if I'm hitting the areas with highest pressure or missing something else in the equation. I guess what I'm really asking is are these pretty good areas or is there a general area that would be better. Just a general point in the right direction would be most helpful. I appreciate any help anyone offers and excited for this challenge this fall.
Rookie Starting Out
- Thread starter Blp440
- Start date
I was just thinking, if you're in billings. I'd do some research and pick a district and stick with it for a season or two and try to learn as much about it as you can. Then if it to no avail. Move on. Just my two cents. Maybe there's some others on here that have experience with that part of the state that can get you pointed in the right direction.
you might go to montanas fish an game site and research the success ratios of any given hunt. also talk to conservation officers.they won't hold your hand but they can point you in the right direction.
also read the above thread," what can I expect in montana". might give you some ideas.
http://fwp.mt.gov/fishAndWildlife/management/elk/
also read the above thread," what can I expect in montana". might give you some ideas.
http://fwp.mt.gov/fishAndWildlife/management/elk/
Last edited:
Swedishhunter
Member
- Jun 24, 2016
- 97
- 6
Sorry, I don't think I will be able to be very helpful here, but I do want to congratulate you on moving to Billings! It is a great place, I spent a year there as an exchange student in High School and have been back many times. Now that my family lives in NJ I try to take them out there at least once a year. Will be bringing my two oldest sons and also my dad to a cow elk hunt out of Bozeman in early November.
I think you will find what you are looking for, but it may take some time and effort. A lot of very knowledgeable and helpful guys on this site
I think you will find what you are looking for, but it may take some time and effort. A lot of very knowledgeable and helpful guys on this site