Archery Elk Opportunities Around Big Sky, MT

Bwht4x4 · Jan 3, 2013

Are there any decent archery elk hunting opportunities on public land within an hour of Big Sky? I have access to a place to stay there and wondered what the elk herds are like around there.

Thanks

7thgenmt · Jan 4, 2013

Tons,do some scouting off the net.

Bwht4x4 · Jan 5, 2013

Due to the distance I live from Big Sky I'll likely have to commit to just coming up and going on a hunt.

Thanks

7thgenmt · Jan 5, 2013

I wouldnt plan a hunt around info you get off the net,plan a summer trip to get a feel for the country and do some scouting.Get up high and look for last years rubs and wallows,this will give you a starting point for your fall hunt,if they were hanging there last fall odds are they wont be far.Literally any big tract of National forest in that area is going to have elk roaming around,the more remote the area the better your odds will be of connecting with elk that dont get a ton of pressure.Try to get a few miles back from the end of the road in a big drainage with water.Good luck on your hunt.

Bwht4x4 · Jan 5, 2013

Thanks 7thgenmt.

I'm not using the net find what tree to sit next too, but using it to ensure the area/mountains around Big Sky has a decent elk population. I'm not sure what the wolves and bears have done in that area. I've been up there twice recently, but both times it's been in winter for a ski trip so I've not had the chance to get out and do anything. All I've seen to date a a few whitetails down by Gall Gateway.

What kind of pressure is going on in this area during the archery hunts? Is it a zoo?

7thgenmt · Jan 5, 2013

Opening week will be for sure,if its anything like this last years rut opening week isnt worth putting up with the crowds.Id try to start your hunt on a monday,traffic drops way off right after the weekend.Lots of drainage's off the Gallatin rd that are worth hunting,like I said get way back up in there and way high.

beech18 · Jan 6, 2013

I havent hunted in personally but know a fella who hunts around there. While never giving me anymore info on location than Spanish Peaks. He has told me the numbers arent what they use to be in his opinion, however he keeps going back and killing elk.