general elk

tradarc · Jan 18, 2012

I have not spent much time in Montana. I was going to apply for a general elk/deer hunt. It looks like region 3 has the best hunter success for elk. I don't realy care to harvest a deer, but would not pass on an opportunity. Meat is the main objective, horns take to long to boil down and I have pleanty of Roosevelet antlers on the wall (they are the best looking elk around).

Is it worth the three hundred dollars for a NR deer tag (does not sound good)?

My buddy and I are willing to work hard, will walk were most won't and have high expectation of one of us connecting. The opportunity is greater than a KILL.

Which is the best season to hunt archery or rifle?

thanks for any info

Zigga · Jan 20, 2012

Odds are you won't shoot a big buck and for $300 a dink might not be worth it. I would choose archery season if you are an archer as there are a lot less people and weather is not going to be an issue typically. Good luck.

BuzzH · Jan 20, 2012

I agree with Zigga...but in the over-all cost of the trip spending an additional $300 for a deer tag in your pocket on the chance you might see a good one...may be worth it.

beech18 · Jan 20, 2012

Ive done alot of hunting down that way, been going to the same mtn range though so cant say for the entire area... Where Ive been going, elk numbers are doing good, deer numbers are poor. 2 years ago was starting to see some signs of improvement with some numbers and decent age class of bucks but this past season barely saw any deer at all. However, usually way luck goes, dont get the deer tag and thats when you'll see the big guy walk infront of you.

Randy11 · Jan 20, 2012

I'd pick up the deer tag, personally.

Most the mountain ranges in region 3 are either permit only for muley, or won't have much at all for older bucks. That said, no matter where you're at, there's good deer hunting in the valleys somewhere nearby. There's enough state sections and block management to make a hunt in every river bottom I've looked at. I've been working all over region three this last six months, and have been amazed at the quality of whitetail I've seen in every river bottom I've worked in.

It is expensive, but it'd be a fun way to spend a couple days if you kill an elk early on.

tradarc · Jan 28, 2012

Thanks for the suggesstions. I spend three hundred in gas just to hunt 90lb blacktail. Time in the field is worth more than a filled freezer, but I LOVE the taste of elk and deer.