Advice for Snowcrest and Gravelly Range

[WAShooter]

Our party was successful in drawing a MT elk/deer combo license and have decided to change things up a little and hunt around the Snowcrest & Gravelly Range area. We will be staying with the McDonalds and Upper Canyon Outfitters (http://www.ucomontana.com/) south of Alder via an unguided lodge hunt instead setting up our usual camp. Although we have hunted MT a number of times, we typically have hunted more north around the Augusta area. We would be very appreciative for any general advice from those with experience in this area. Thanks and happy hunting!!!

 

[Bambistew]

Thats probably the most heavily hunted area in Montana. Good luck, looks like they do all right success wise, they must know where and how to get away from the crowds which is tough in the Gravellys with all the roads and ATV access.

I've spent a little time in that area. The whitetail hunting is pretty good, the fishing is better, the elk hunting is so so compared to what else is near by. Don't expect a monster bull, shoot the first raghorn you see because you probably won't have many chances.

 

[WAShooter]

Thanks for the advice. How is the mule deer population?

 

[ismith]

LAST EDITED ON Sep-04-08 AT 11:50PM (MST)[p]There are very few decent bucks in the Gravellys. It is one, if not THE, most heavily hunted ranges in Montana. The Snowcrests have some really nice muley bucks but hunting them is by permit only. Your best bet would be finding a spot for whitetails. Stay up on the regulations, part of the Gravellys is included in the permit only muley area (HD 324).
ismith

 

[Bozeman]

There are big bulls in almost every unit in Montana. I used to think that the Gravelys and that area couldn't produce a big bull. My friend found a rack that was upside down with the points in the mud in the Snow Crest's that unbelievably scores 405. So there went my theory. I've never personally hunted that area because I had heard how busy it gets but I do know guys that hunt it every year and have success. You'll have a good time.

 

[WAShooter]

Thanks guys. Regarding 324, my cousin was lucky enough to draw one of the 324-50 mule deer tags...so hopefully he'll find a nice one. Regarding the elk, hopefully it won't be as busy as the Yakima area in Washington!! Seems there is orange behind every tree and a ATV in every medow/park. Again, thanks for the information.