NW Montana Mule Deer

ironranger · Oct 7, 2006

LAST EDITED ON Oct-07-06 AT 07:23PM (MST)[p]I'm heading to NW Montana in mid Nov for a mule deer hunt north of whitefish. A guy I met bowhunting in Colorado last fall pointed out some drainages/mountains to check out so I've been scouring my topo software and marking waypoints. Just curious if anyone has hunted this area and whether there is a decent population of mulies. I've hunted Montana twice on east side and am trying something different this fall. Looking forward to seeing the country and learning a new area. I'm not looking for places to hunt as I know where I want to go but just wondering what to expect in terms of animal numbers...

Bambistew · Oct 9, 2006

I wouldn't expect to see many muley's. You'll probably see about 5 whitetails for every mule deer you see. Good luck and don't be ashamed to hang your tag on a monster whitey, there are some good ones up there.

ismith · Oct 9, 2006

If you want a mulie you will have to get fairly high up on the mountain or if the weathers bad find where they are moving down into winter range. Also be very, very cautious of grizzly bears, there are lots of them in that territory and they may or may not be hibernating. I have a buddy that hunts that area and he ran into a guy and his sons that lost a buck to a griz. There are some monster mulies in that area, but they are definately not easy. Dont expect to see the same numbers of deer you did in eastern montana. Plan for the worst winter weather you can imagine (tire chains and 4 wheel drive). This would also be good ground to hunt with a buddy.

Hornseeker · Oct 10, 2006

Good info above...

There are a few mule deer in that country, but they are definitely not easy to hunt! Every year you see a monster come out though. Stay as high as weather permits.

Good Luck

TFinalshot · Oct 12, 2006

And then dont let the weather stop you!

ironranger · Oct 12, 2006

Thank you all for your replies as I appreciate the insight. I'll be teaming up with one other guy so I think we'll stick together. I've been scouring the topo software and will definitely mark the high spots. Since I'm accustomed to hunting NE Minnesota for whitetails where you can go a day without seeing a deer anything more than that is a treat!! I definitely wouldn't pass on a big whitey and will be on the lookout for bears too. Not a big fan of them...

Tally · Oct 12, 2006

Don't pass up Eastern Montana on your way, you may just fill your tag before you make it over the divide if you keep your eyes open.

montanamuley85 · Oct 17, 2006

I grew up in Whitefish, lived there for 21 years. I think I can pretty much sum things up when I say that for mulies, most people in the area, including me, head for the east side.

"...and now it's time for me to go, the autumn moon lights my way..." -Led Zeppelin