Southeast Montana

[MObowhunter156]

Hey all, were planning a Mule deer hunting trip out to southeast Montana this fall and we were originally planning on hunting in Broadus, But now were looking into Ekalaka because of the amount of BMA's it offers. Do any of you think one is better than the other? Does one have more hunting pressure etc.... we've even thrown around the idea about hunting one town for 3-4 days then go to the other town for a few days. Do you guys think that might be too much for 1 week and for first timers to pull off?

Thanks for any input you guys have
Steve

 

[Tim McCoy]

I suspect it will be more about the actual BMA than whether it is near Ekalaka or Broadus. They are not that far apart, but driving from one to the other, unless you know the back roads, is another matter. So barring a freak localized event, either general area could be just fine.

I'm guessing your group is not familiar with BMA's in either area? Assuming so, on a BMA of 10-15 sections or more, 6,400 - almost 10k acres or more, it may take you 2-3 days just to figure out where the concentrations of game are and their movement patterns. So in my mind your two location strategy may depend on how large the BMA's are, how experienced your group is at hunting your preferred species and how many of you there are? The more experience you have and the smaller the group & BMA's, then the more sense two BMA's may make.

 

[Bonecollector]

Solid advice Tim.

I suspect it will be more about the actual BMA than whether it is near Ekalaka or Broadus. They are not that far apart, but driving from one to the other, unless you know the back roads, is another matter. So barring a freak localized event, either general area could be just fine.

I'm guessing your group is not familiar with BMA's in either area? Assuming so, on a BMA of 10-15 sections or more, 6,400 - almost 10k acres or more, it may take you 2-3 days just to figure out where the concentrations of game are and their movement patterns. So in my mind your two location strategy may depend on how large the BMA's are, how experienced your group is at hunting your preferred species and how many of you there are? The more experience you have and the smaller the group & BMA's, then the more sense two BMA's may make.

 

[MObowhunter156]

Thanks Tim for the helpful information, We have never gone out west to hunt before. So this will be a big learning curve for us, I figured id try and get as much information as I could, and this forum has been a huge help all you guys are very helpful.
Thanks Steve

 

[Tim McCoy]

Hope you have a great hunt. There is plenty of info here to search out, and a large number of members highly experienced in your topic. Most are very willing to help out, if you stick around the forum and participate, so ask away. I suspect the detail BMA info is not on the FWP web site, but sometimes you can pull up some of the maps with specific searches. The new years info is usually available in early August if I recall correctly. At least study about the different types, and be ready to jump on a promising BMA that allows reservations as soon as you can. I'd not limit myself to just two general areas, there are good ones across the entire state of MT. Many other states offer similar opportunities. Walk in areas, access areas, they go by a variety of names, but in nearly every case offer good opportunities.

 

[MObowhunter156]

Yes we applied for the pamphlet from 2015, so we have all of last year's BMA's to glance at to get an idea. We were just trying to reserve a hotel/cabin in one of these towns. Thanks again Tim for your help
Thanks
Steve

 

[joens]

one thing to keep In mind is that many of the BMAs limit hunter numbers and take reservations so a lot of the best ones have been reserved often well in advance. so a location that has a lot if BMAs nearby does not guarantee you will be able to get on them. that puts you guys coming in from out of state at a disadvantage if you have never been here because you need to reserve some places when you have no idea what you are reserving. and if you wait until the first day to get here to make reservations there may be some places you cant get into. but many are not reserved to capacity during the week so you do have a good chance of getting on at the last minute. if there is no way you can make it out here ahead of season to scout. do as much as you can with maps and google earth. and try to narrow it down and have multiple backup plans.