. Even if you dont draw a special permit, it doesnt mean that youre out of luck. Montanas elk herds are still doing really well across most of the state with most areas currently over population objectives. Outside of these areas, elk numbers are generally low, but numbers have been increasing at a moderate rate, accompanied by a gradual expansion into previously unoccupied habitat. Additionally, the second opportunity 799-30 doe/fawn license,valid only in HDs 704 and 705,was moderately increased due to strong populations across much of those districts. A few districts where elk habitat and numbers are very low and difficult to find offer either-sex harvest on a general license. In the central and western portion of the region, where sage-grouse habitat exists, adult numbers were slightly above average in Valley County, but below average in all areas to the west. Sharptailnumbers are likely to be similar to last year. Cow on Tuesday, 422 yards Bull scored 374 6/8. Currently hunting black bears with hounds is not legal in Region 1. Last years extreme drought likely contributed to changes in elk distribution as animals searched for areas with forage. The Missouri Breaks (HD 700) and Custer Forest Elk Management Unit (HDs 702, 704, 705) remain the two coreelkpopulations in southeast Montana. However, the majority of elk occur on private lands were hunting access is typically quite restricted. Along the northern Rocky Mountain Front, biologist Ryan Rauscher reports thatelknumbers are generally above their long-term average, with bull to cow ratios at or near average. Hunters in other regions are required to submit the hide and skull to an FWP official within 10 days of harvest so FWP can collect a tooth for aging. That large body also means when its time to harvest your animal, and get the meat back to your truck to have it processed, you have to put in a bit of work. Joined: Dec 2020. Any input relating to that district would be appreciated. Advertise on HuntScore and reach hunters interested in this hunting unit! The Missouri Breaks units continue to produce good bulls, but Eastern Montana has been in a drought for the last couple of years. Hunters should expect to find about the same number of elk they observed last year. The tooth will be sent to a laboratory where the age of the bear will be determined. I have hunted the. Those numbers were at or near 40-year lows. However, fawn recruitment for deer and pronghorn in some areas is diminished this year due to lingering impacts of extreme drought conditions last year. If you have never hunted elk before, its important to know just how big these animals actually are. Observed Elk Objective o Objective for observed elk by survey unit Objective Status o Below, Within, or Above the objective range Objective Status (Percent) o Within objective range . Mule deer numbers in the agricultural areas near Great Falls are doing well, but populations in the mountain/mountain foothill areas are still rebounding from lower numbers of the past few years. Adult survival, particularly that of older-aged females, appears to drive population changes in mountain goats. Not all weather elements are available within the unit. 3,000 acres of foothills, creek bottoms, and heavily wooded ridges and ravines mean that this area is a wildlife paradise. Overall, whitetail numbers observed on spring trend areas averaged 24 percent below 2021 numbers but 9 percent above long-term average. One of the most important things to fully understand before you head out on your hunt is to know what the regulations are in the area you are hunting in. Another mild winter allowed for high winter survival offorest grouseandwild turkeys. All of the regions, however, have their pros and their cons. Hunters must apply for a general deer tag or a general deer/elk combo tag, but it is pretty much a guaranteed draw. % Successful. This often-overlooked hunting area keeps the crowds to a minimum, but the elk herds are dazzlingly high in numbers. As a result, early and late shoulder . Buck harvest was 3 percent above long-term average last fall. This may give the illusion that numbers are worse than they actually are. Some units are brow-tined bull only, meaning you cant shoot cow elk, spike elk, or forked antler elk. Check the regulations to find out which licenses are valid for these hunts and where they occur. Shoulder seasons are in place for several districts in the Livingston area. Mule deer numbers in HD 329 appear to be holding steady, with some growth over the past 10 years. Visithttps://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/deerfor more information. Mule deer numbers on private land vary but may be overabundant in some localized areas, especially in agricultural areas. Mule deernumbers in the region continue to be at or near record lows, and hunters should expect to see fewer animals in the field this season. Bull ratios in HD 313 are similar to recent years but remain below historic levels. For more information on deer, elk and pronghorn numbers and hunting opportunities in western Montana, check out past editions of the FWP Region 2 Wildlife Quarterly, available online atfwp.mt.gov/r2-wildlife-quarterlies. I'm not sure what to expect as far as elk goes. DRAW ODDS . Thanks in Advance. In HD 703 and the eastern three-quarters of HD 701, hunters can pursue any elk with a general license. Our Memberships Include The Most Accurate Draw Odds Available, Join Now! Bird numbers should be similar to last year. However , I think you might have a hard time getting solid info from any one on here in regards to elk or deer in SE montana . Also valid on private Sharp-tailed grouse will be found in grasslands intermixed with farmland and foothills, where they tend to roost on the tops of hills and draws with grass and forb cover averaging shin height. Elk distribution will likely change from now through the archery season and again during general rifle season due to changes in vegetation, snow levels and hunting pressure. Only sevenmountain goattags are available within Region 1. The landowner you book from may have horses or ATVs you can use, but sometimes it comes down to quartering the animal and packing meat out in a backpack. Near the Sweetgrass Hills, pronghorn have been well under long-term average in previous years but have recovered somewhat and are just slightly below average this year. Drew this tag last year. You can identify these with the DPP or RtQUIC labels on them. I drew a limited entry Bull Elk Tag. Think of most of the breaks country as upside down mountains and as long as youre prepared to hike back up and out of the hole youll have a great time. When you know where youre going, now look into whether or not you will need a special permit, or if that general tag meets all of your needs. Its the hunters responsibility to know where they are at all times, and what the rules are for that area. Many districts require a permit or B license, awarded through the statewide application process earlier this year. Overall, partridge numbers this fall are likely to remain average to above average for the eastern half of the region, and below average for the western half of the region. PO Box 250 Fawn production looks good again this summer after our third consecutive mild winter. Why not just hunt where you have seen the bulls . Valid in all Region Took 3 weeks off work for it. So the Boys are all packed out, with all the meat Frozen, packaged, and Shipped overnight, on Dry Ice. Best bet is to make at least one scouting trip and get some boots one the ground looking for sign. That broke the 900 unit into a bunch of different units. White-tailed deer numbersare increasing across much of Rauschers and Lonners areas as well, and in several oftheir hunting districts, they report that white-tailed deer numbers are strong and should provide good harvest opportunities for both bucks and antlerless deer. Other units may have a Type 1 and Type 2 license where the difference is that they are valid for different portions of the area. Total number of 1st choice applicants that were successful. These declines coincide with low fawn recruitment, which was likely influenced by drought conditions. Wings will be used to determine the age and sex of grouse to determine productivity for the year. Messages. As the season progresses, winter begins high in the mountains a few weeks before it sets in down in the valleys. Thank you. Gray partridgeandchukarpopulations will also likely be similar to last year or maybe a little higher as a result of good spring moisture. Timely moisture in the spring and early summer has provided quality habitat across the region. Create a free account to read the rest of this access note! Got Terribly busy and missed some time on here! 7 HDS. Access onX Hunt's interactive map below to view Montana's hunting districts for its primary species, including elk, deer, antelope, turkey, and more. I would suggest that you make sure you are prepared to walk long distances in a pair of quality boots. Its expected that hunters will find a number of pronghorn similar to what they may have observed last year. Key portions of elk summer and winter ranges are . Hunting unit 411 captures the northern part of these mountains and the surrounding foothills. You may get lucky cruising up timber creek, Ive seen a huge heard of elk the last few years hunting there. Few either-sexantelope(pronghorn) licenses are allocated in the Helena area. You are using an out of date browser. You must log in or register to reply here. As a result of two seasons of CWD management hunts and CWD mortality, theres been a substantial reductionabout 75 percentin white-tailed deer numbers in the Ruby Valley between Sheridan and Twin Bridges. You cannot hunt a general elk unit. For HD 580, spring surveys and 2021 harvest data indicate average whitetail numbers. #1. Forums. Fawn recruitment appears to be very low in HDs 300 and 301, which is likely related to last years drought. Montana Montana has a lot of country and lot of mule deer. Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Elk Hunting Montana Unit 700: Forums Member List Calendar Active Threads: Previous Thread: Next Thread : Print Thread: Hop To : Page 1 of 2 : 1: 2: Montana Unit 700 #16383241 08/28/21. Winter survival was good here with mild winter conditions last season. Overall, elk numbers should be similar to last year. Not all weather elements are available within the unit. That was likely the result of increased hunter harvest last fall. This winter has been really good for precipitation across Montana, and if it keeps up, the Breaks units should have a really good horn growth year. Montana. As in other years, hunter success will be influenced by snowfall during the hunting season. Elk numbers in HD 380 may be down a little in some localized areas, but overall numbers continue to be within objective. Large swings indicate a good layering system should be used. Hunter surveys indicate 498 elk taken in HD 700, and about 762 in the Custer Forest Elk Management Unit (HDs 702, 704 and 705). I have some info on New Mexico, Colorado and some Western MT info that I would be happy to share as well. Hunters will be unable to purchase additional antlerless mule deer licenses during the general rifle season this fall. White-tailed deernumbers have been on an upward trend in recent years after several hard winters suppressed recruitment between 2017-2019. The ranch has an insulated cabin that acts as base camp for hunting parties. Montana Unit 700-20 Bull Elk. Carry and know how to use bear spray. Apr 25, 2017 #3 Oldbig New member. The proportion of pronghorn that have reestablished their use of this district is uncertain. Sun River elk remain near long-term average for the population with bull to cow numbers slightly above long-term average. If hunters want to be successful, scouting and understanding wolf behavior is important. Visitfwp.mt.gov/cwdfor more information. The rifle permits have tough odds, but most of the archery permits can be drawn every two to five years as a non-resident. In Montana, 15% of all permits for elk and deer can go to landowners. For that matter, any Elk hunting in this Unit at all? Look at camping at the Hell Creek camp ground and hunting from there. Just received my Montana elk tags in the mail. The first step is to determine where you would like to hunt. Avoid carcass sites and concentrations of ravens and other scavengers. Was there last year for rifle with a friend but he got one on private ground. Buck-to-doe ratios were better compared to last year, but fawn numbers remain below average across the area. Hunters in HDs 515, 535, and 540 can expect similar opportunities to last year in this area. A 15-percent increase in sage-grouse population trends were observed in the Sheridan area this spring. FWP began collaringmoosein HDs 105 and 106 (and in two other study areas) in 2013. Similar trends in moose populations are likely in most of Region 1. Those lucky enough to be in the 15% of applicants who draw a bull permit should find a Montana ranch to hunt on. Some block management in the area we were in . Mule deernumbers observed this year on the 14 spring trend areas were 36 percent below 2021 and 47 percent below the long-term average. An example is that if you draw unit 410-21, which is an archery-only elk permit, you can only hunt archery elk in unit 410. Hunters who come upon a wing collection barrel while traveling from a hunt are asked to putonly onewing from each harvested bird into the barrel. Total numbers have increased from last year, with populations near levels observed in 2020 (prior to the 2021 region-wide drought) and similar to population levels observed prior to the winter mortality in 2010-2011. Toggle navigation. I hunted east of the there about five years ago in unit 410 so pretty familiar with the landscape, just looking at some potential areas to camp, access and hunt should I draw the archery tag. Walk walk walk. This spring also had good precipitation, producing quality forage across many areas, so big game animals will likely be in good body condition this year. Habitat conditions, spring adult populations and recent brood observations start out slightly above average in the eastern third of the region but decline to the west. You are using an out of date browser. Send us an email at [emailprotected] to learn more. Compare that to nearly 2,000 and 1,560 mule deer harvested in those districts, respectively. Unlock all of the map's features, such as private land boundaries and ownership information; aerial, topo, or hybrid basemap views; past and current wildfire data . Any advice on Montana Unit 700-20. would be greatly appreciated. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Distribution and hunter access to elk will depend mostly on weather. When youre looking for a Montana elk hunting lease, and youre more concerned with filling the freezer with some of the best wild game meat you have ever tasted, then opting for a hunting unit that allows you to harvest any animal you happen to see is where its at. Historically, these licenses had been selling out by the third week of the season, but this year there were very few left over after the draw and they were sold out soon after surpluses licenses were offered. New this year, Region 7 changed the way antlerless whitetail licenses are allocated as part of a statewide effort to simplify hunting regulations. The reward you get from dozens of meals made with healthy wild game is only enhanced because every one of those meals sparks pride, joy, and memories of your Montana elk hunt. For that reason, among others, pronghorn licenses were reduced in HD 444 for the 2022 season. You must log in or register to reply here. Do you have landowner tags, lease land, or have an lodge? He actually died there on his last hunt. Elk hunting is challenging in northwest Montana due to difficult terrain, heavily forested areas and densities relatively lower than other areas in Montana. Elevation ranges are based on weather stations in or near the unit. Nutritionally stressed does dont produce as much milk for growing fawns, and many fawns didnt gain enough weight their first summer to make it through the winter months. Not valid Finding areas with grass higher than your shin, mixed with shrubs and small draws and near a food source (farmland/shrub berries) is a good place to start. Let other hunters know when bears and/or fresh sign are observed. I will do that. we should hear in a few weeks if we draw been working on ammo and waiting for weather to get decent here to try the four loads I have to determine what the rifles like best Good luck to you as well. The message here is that the extra windshield time to reach the southeast corner of Region 7 is absolutely worth it, said Melissa Foster, Glendive/Baker biologist. JavaScript is disabled. Hunters are required to stop at game check stations but stopping at the Libby CWD sampling station is voluntary. cubdrvr 08-Nov-15. Increased hunter opportunity and drought have brought down pronghorn numbers and licenses have been reduced slightly this year, reflecting the lower numbers seen in summer surveys. Scores . In the eastern portions of the region, sharptail numbers are expected to be fair to good. Any surplus licenses first will be distributed through the surplus list (the deadline to sign up was Aug. 7, 2022), and finally, if leftover licenses remain, they will be sold over the counter on a first-come, first-served basis. Elk population trend counts (Figure 1) indicate that elk numbers are within elk plan objectives, with the exception of HD 328, where the objective for elk counted is 700 elk and we observed 919 elk in 2003. . Keep these precautions in mind when hunting in grizzly country: For more tips on staying safe in bear country, visitFWPs Bear Aware web page. I saw around 60 fawns per 100 does during my pronghorn survey flights this summer, which is good fawn production, he said. Overall pronghorn numbers both north and south of the Little Belts (HDs 430 and 490) continue to recover from declines we saw following the harsh winters a few years ago.. Hunter access to elk will depend mostly on weather two other study ). Within objective spring surveys and 2021 harvest data indicate average whitetail numbers sites and concentrations ravens! One scouting trip and get some boots one the ground looking for sign advice on unit! A lot of mule deer that district would be happy to share as well rifle this! 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