Montana Hunt

3Js · Sep 21, 2009

As a first time hunter I just got back from the Gravely Range with an outfitted 5 day hunt. No luck. Seen a dozen bulls. Also had some within 50 yards in the timber that never shown themselves. Seen a 370 class at 150 yards that just looked at us from a far for 15 min. That sucked. Most of the bugeling was over by 9 AM. We hunted sun up to sun down. It was 85 degrees at 8800' but I had a very enjoable time in regard to the camp and the hunt. Just would have liked to harvest an Elk. Now that I have this desier to shoot one I want to go back. But the cost will take care of that. Maybe in a few years.

One question, did the hot temps tight lip the elk? Also could it have pushed the rut off a few days? When we tried a cow call the bulls sometimes shut up and we did not see them. Only one 4x4 came into a cow call. This was the first day by the way and we did pass per guide. Oh well.

Just want to thank everone who helped me prior to the hunt. I did not have to use the grizzley spray thank god.

3Js

hunter_59 · Sep 21, 2009

3Js,don't let the money hold you back! I did the same thing several years ago. I booked an outfitted hunt in Wyoming to have someone teach me how this elk hunting works. After that, I decided if I was to keep up the hunting, I needed to DIY style. That was the best decision I made! I can now hunt every year and have the satisfaction of knowing that if I shoot a bull, I did it all myself. I'm not the type of person to go on guided hunts anyway. I want the freedom to move when and where I want to. Sure, I have screwed up some perfect opportunities, but they were my decisions, not someone else. Elk hunting is a passion for me now! I have found some great areas to hunt and have seen some beautiful bulls and great scenery to go along with it. All of this by researching on the internet and boot leather in the pines. I still haven't killed a bull, but I'm getting close! It's just a matter of time! Good luck.

mtdream · Sep 21, 2009

Lots of Montana bulls were not even talking...Some were just letting you know they were there, but not going to chat with you...

Saw several groups of bulls all together, and not even thinking about the girls yet...

So, yes the hot weather has something to do with it, but in general just seems like a late year...The larch trees are not even turning colors yet, but is generally synced with the rut...

we did manage to pull a bull out, but not a big on, was the guys first bull ever, and managed to get him with a bow...

400bullelk · Sep 21, 2009

3JS,

What outfitter were you hunting with? I want to do a Montana Archery Elk Hunt.

Stubaby · Sep 21, 2009

My buddy just killed a nice 340 class bull with these guys. Go to www.bowhuntelk.com and check them out. I was up there on before the opener and they were doing more than just talking. Not bad for the price and you get 1 on 1 private property hunting for a realy good price.

Stuart

3Js · Sep 23, 2009

I was with Trail Creek Lodge Outfitters. I think they have some room yet this year due to the economy. Call or e mail Paul Malinsky at www.trialcreeklodge.com and tell him Randy refered you to him.

If you are looking for a high camp on horseback at a reasonable price it is not a bad deal. I may be going back for rifle season if I get my muley early. A group of us Wisconsin guys go over to hunt in Broadus area for the opener. Two of us have the como license.

3Js

3Js · Sep 23, 2009

I missed spelled the link address it is www.trailcreeklodge.com

hatrick · Sep 23, 2009

Just got back also we only put one 5x5 on the ground but we had great action lots of bugling. we had bugling all day on 3 days.. it was the most action we have had, called in about 25 bulls but was being picky this year! I'm glad you had a good time but I wish you could have got one now your gonna be hooked!!-Hatrick