W
WACATHUNTER
Guest
I am applying for a job in the Miles City area and was wondering how the hunting is. I hunt anything, but Muleys are most important. Thanks, WACAT
W
WACATHUNTER
Guest
Good to hear. Do you live in the area?
M
missinMT
Guest
NEMONT has it right. Lots of critters in and along the Yellowstone R., but the challenge,a s always, is to get permission. Take some time and hunker a spell with folks and you can work it out.
W
WACATHUNTER
Guest
Thanks for the feed back. If I get the job I will be living in ashland and I am sure the only thing to do is scout for a hunting spot. Perfect! Thanks Again, WACAT
NeMont
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 12,632
If you are living in Ashland then things are a little different. You are surrounded by the Custer National Forest. You have the surrounding area to the east of you around Broadus, Biddle, Otter, Volburg, Powderville etc, etc.
That is a beautiful area. The reservation there can be a bit of challenge but the area is nice. My best buddy is from Broadus and I get down there alot to hunt and help them work cattle. I also have the bank in Ashland insured. Great People.
Nemont
That is a beautiful area. The reservation there can be a bit of challenge but the area is nice. My best buddy is from Broadus and I get down there alot to hunt and help them work cattle. I also have the bank in Ashland insured. Great People.
Nemont
W
WACATHUNTER
Guest
I hope to take a look at the area before I make a final decision, would love to view some wintering grounds, any ideas?
F
fletch
Guest
Just drive along the powder river south and that ought to be convincing enough. hey Nemont, is there no deer on the reservations near ashland...the last two yrs through there I have yet to see a deer on the res...see them before and after though.
Bambistew
Very Active Member
- Messages
- 1,959
We used to drive through the res quite a bit, and the only deer I've ever seen on it was hanging on a meat pole... I think they keep them on thier toes...
The hunting around Ashland isn't half what it used to be, but its "ok"...
Good luck with your job. Who will you be working for?
The hunting around Ashland isn't half what it used to be, but its "ok"...
Good luck with your job. Who will you be working for?
NeMont
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 12,632
The natives on the Reservation practice open season year round. They do not let non natives hunt big game on the Reservation, as far as I recall.
The deer right around Ashland probably have an average age of 11 months as most of them die way early. The deer around Broadus have recovered this year from the drought but there is so much land leased up that you need to either know somebody or pay. That being said there is still a lot of hunting to do around there and lots of ground to access. Grab a map and look at the public lands available.
Nemont
The deer right around Ashland probably have an average age of 11 months as most of them die way early. The deer around Broadus have recovered this year from the drought but there is so much land leased up that you need to either know somebody or pay. That being said there is still a lot of hunting to do around there and lots of ground to access. Grab a map and look at the public lands available.
Nemont
F
fletch
Guest
I just got back from Broadus...I agree that alot of the land is tied up...but still good opportunity to hunt with plenty of animals to be seen...of course I'm from Wa and generally speaking most places are better than here.
K
kirkl
Guest
Fletch, how did ya do back there.
M
missinMT
Guest
Fletch, Let us know how you did. What sort of work might be available in Ashland? Must be a mining gig? Engineering? Good luck with whatever you decide to do. Montana is a great hunting state. BTW, Fletch, Lemondog posted a stud Muley, best I have seen out of Wa state in my short time here, so this state can produce MAJOR trophy critters.
Doc
Doc
F
fletch
Guest
I know Wa has plenty of good bucks to be had...the point being you may get one or two opportunities a year at a good legal buck during general season where as we passed up several good bucks per day in Montana... We did fair in Montana this year I got a dark horned 4X3 that was 20 inches and had double eye guard on one side single on the other in custer nat forst. The guy that went with me shot a 21 inch 4X4 that was fairly heavy...out on block mgmt and my brother shot a small 4X3 near the last day..he waited and waited and settled in the end. We saw lots of bucks and had a great time...There was a heck of a blizzard on Monday WOW its been a while since Ive seen weather like that. We had a slow trip home due to some engine/transmission issues but all in all it was a good safe trip.
M
muleyguy
Guest
how was hunting in the custer national forest?? I am also from WA, went to broadus several times in the late 90's and early 00's, hunted mostly BLM east of town, it was a big zoo, even back then, lots of fun though if you could keep the outfitters and sherrif from trying to kick you off of BLM ground.....sometimes I think we knew more about where the boundries where then them..but that is another story. in the end, it was just too much hassle always looking over your shoulder.
we hunted the custer a little bit, saw a few nice bucks, but I always wanted to go back and focus exclusively in there, it seemed like it could hold some decent ones??
we hunted the custer a little bit, saw a few nice bucks, but I always wanted to go back and focus exclusively in there, it seemed like it could hold some decent ones??
F
fletch
Guest
We accessed the forest from south of Broadus...We didnt see a whole bunch of deer in there but from the sounds of it there used to be. We did talk to several local people and some hunters who said that north of 212 is better...If I go back I want to try that...the self sign in block mgmt that we hunted is over 30000 acres and we never saw a person last yr...this yr we saw a lot more people. They didnt seem to want to go as far as we didnt see as many or as big of bucks as last yr either.
The forest we looked at was nice to hunt, open timber. I would definitely hunt it again.
The forest we looked at was nice to hunt, open timber. I would definitely hunt it again.
F
fletch
Guest
that doesnt make sense...the people at the blck mgmt didnt hike in as far as we did...we didnt see as good as bucks as we did last year...thats better 
W
WACATHUNTER
Guest
Thanks for all the feedback. I hope to hear soon and go take a look. I will still have 6 points in WA for deer and elk so, I'll still be trying to find a WA trophy. Thanks again. WACAT
M
muleyguy
Guest
fletch,
I am pretty sure I know which blk mng area you are talking about; we hunted that one several times in the late 90's and early 00's. The last time we were there, the game dept was talking about punching a road up through there so hunters could access it better. If they did that it would be too bad, it would ruin it.
Really neat area, but it was hard to find anything bigger than about 22 or 23 in. Back then the outfitters around the blk mng area were always trying to run us off and would run their quads , with their clients on the back, up and down each and every draw around there. Much of that area if I remember right is checkered pretty good with state sections and blm sections. That is good to hear though that it isn't getting run over with people.
I am pretty sure I know which blk mng area you are talking about; we hunted that one several times in the late 90's and early 00's. The last time we were there, the game dept was talking about punching a road up through there so hunters could access it better. If they did that it would be too bad, it would ruin it.
Really neat area, but it was hard to find anything bigger than about 22 or 23 in. Back then the outfitters around the blk mng area were always trying to run us off and would run their quads , with their clients on the back, up and down each and every draw around there. Much of that area if I remember right is checkered pretty good with state sections and blm sections. That is good to hear though that it isn't getting run over with people.
lostinOregon
Very Active Member
- Messages
- 2,006
Here is a few tidbits about Ashland/Broadus. I have friends that have two ranches, one on Otter Creek (Hwy 212) and the other out of Broadus, Powder river area. I have hunted the area for the last 12 years, going every year because someone in the family gets a tag. The draught has really affected the mule deer in the area in numbers and horn growth. The Custer gets the hell hunted out of it every year. I have seen a steady decline in quality of deer that are taken in the forrest. It seems to be a steady diet of 20 inch 3X4's and not much more. This area has the ability to be a great area to hunt, but I have been dissapointed lately in the numbers of hunters and again quality. Most of Broadus area is outfitted by Powder River Outfitters and private land is hard to come by. Every Eastman video shows Broadus and every tom, ##### and harry thinks there is a deer for them. Just look at the new airport in Broadus. You could land your leer jet there if you need too. Don't think the average joe that lives in Broadus needs an airport like that. Just my two cents, I love the area and look forward to seeing it every year, but as a muley fanatic I'm worried about the future of hunting not becoming a rich man's game. One a positive note the Antelope in the area appear to be doing very well.
Rich
Rich
F
fletch
Guest
I agree with all of the comments...did notice the new airport...did watch an outfitter drive somebody out into a field on the river...it was full of rutting mule deer and when the guy couldnt get a shot the outfitter pulled closer, turned the suburban sideways so this "hunter" could lean across the hood and shoot. would have loved to hear the story concocted about the rigorous effort put out to bag that monster!
anyway if we are talking about the same block mgmt...they limited the vehicle access but I agree that it would be rare to top 24 inches in there. As far as the forest goes I havent hunted it enough but ironically enough I did get a 20 inch 3X4 so...anyway we always see alot of bucks but havent seen much over 23 inches on public ground.
anyway if we are talking about the same block mgmt...they limited the vehicle access but I agree that it would be rare to top 24 inches in there. As far as the forest goes I havent hunted it enough but ironically enough I did get a 20 inch 3X4 so...anyway we always see alot of bucks but havent seen much over 23 inches on public ground.
NeMont
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 12,632
LAST EDITED ON Nov-29-05 AT 10:13AM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Nov-29-05 AT 10:11?AM (MST)
I have a buddy there and his parents own a great place west of Broadus. They have managed for trophy bucks for at least the last 10 years if not longer. They regularly take 180 class deer off of their ranch. They still let me hunt but man it is getting more and more difficult to convince them that the friendship dues are worth it. Especially when their neighbor got $35,000!!! to lease their place to 5 guys from Washington!!! Hope this cattle market stays good or my days are numbered the handwriting is on the wall
I agree with the drought, the public land, the outfitters trying to run people off, even the sheriff will try to run you off of public lands. The number of hunters from out of state that hunt that area is amazing to me.
I do have a question for the Washington guys. Where I hunt close to home we have noticed about every other rig is from Washington. Just curious to see so many guys from one state. Used to be most NR hunters were from Minn. now Washington has definately taking over. Is it word of mouth or what? Not that I care if you hunt as federal lands are open to all. Just curious the reason for so many Washington hunters. Same deal in the Missouri Breaks about every other rig is Washington also.
Nemont
I have a buddy there and his parents own a great place west of Broadus. They have managed for trophy bucks for at least the last 10 years if not longer. They regularly take 180 class deer off of their ranch. They still let me hunt but man it is getting more and more difficult to convince them that the friendship dues are worth it. Especially when their neighbor got $35,000!!! to lease their place to 5 guys from Washington!!! Hope this cattle market stays good or my days are numbered the handwriting is on the wall
I agree with the drought, the public land, the outfitters trying to run people off, even the sheriff will try to run you off of public lands. The number of hunters from out of state that hunt that area is amazing to me.
I do have a question for the Washington guys. Where I hunt close to home we have noticed about every other rig is from Washington. Just curious to see so many guys from one state. Used to be most NR hunters were from Minn. now Washington has definately taking over. Is it word of mouth or what? Not that I care if you hunt as federal lands are open to all. Just curious the reason for so many Washington hunters. Same deal in the Missouri Breaks about every other rig is Washington also.
Nemont
forkhunter
Active Member
- Messages
- 287
I grew up in MT, but live in Washington now. I have hunted here only 1 year (of the 3 I was here.) It was an absolute madhouse. Somebody camped at every bend in the road.
I ended up with a good 4 point, but hunter success is very low. Also, there are not a lot of public lands in WA compared to the # of people. Most of the private landholders have leased their land for the big $ they can get----------can't say that I blame them, considering the cash it brings in.
Pretty sad in WA. They need to go to a statewide draw system (anyone can buy a tag now), and get rid of the stupid 3-point or better law.
I ended up with a good 4 point, but hunter success is very low. Also, there are not a lot of public lands in WA compared to the # of people. Most of the private landholders have leased their land for the big $ they can get----------can't say that I blame them, considering the cash it brings in.
Pretty sad in WA. They need to go to a statewide draw system (anyone can buy a tag now), and get rid of the stupid 3-point or better law.
F
fletch
Guest
I notice alot of wa plates too...Minnesota and wisconsin were right up there...
The three point or better rule helped save a failing deer population after a couple of hard winters...I hunted before that rule went into effect and any buck and I mean any buck was a good buck spike or forkhorn...So that rule isnt all bad...I did read one time that Wa state has more deer hunters per square mile than any other state in the continental US...dont know if that is still true...There are great bucks to get in Wa but you dont pass alot of bucks along the way...you cant hunt the rut unless you draw...you only have 9 days to hunt...its crowded...lots of reasons to hit the wide open spaces in some other state...
The three point or better rule helped save a failing deer population after a couple of hard winters...I hunted before that rule went into effect and any buck and I mean any buck was a good buck spike or forkhorn...So that rule isnt all bad...I did read one time that Wa state has more deer hunters per square mile than any other state in the continental US...dont know if that is still true...There are great bucks to get in Wa but you dont pass alot of bucks along the way...you cant hunt the rut unless you draw...you only have 9 days to hunt...its crowded...lots of reasons to hit the wide open spaces in some other state...
M
muleyguy
Guest
I think montana appeals to so many WA hunters because, although montana does not produce a lot of b&c bucks, it does produce a lot of 20" type 4 pts, and that is more deer than most have ever shot in their life in WA. And, it isn't unusual to see 10 or 15 bucks a day in montana, it might take 5 years to see that many bucks in WA on public land, let alone anything approaching a 20" 4pt.
I have hunted broadus and the breaks; I will take the breaks anytime. Lots of public ground, and there are vast areas in it that don't have a road going down every ridge. When we were in broadus 2001 the Eastman guys were there; the Primos guys were there. It was crazy..........they just hunted a little ways out of town along the river, we would see their PU parked every day.
Hunters in other western states (ID, Wy, Uah) have grown up in states that can and do produce trophy mule deer, so I think a lot of them tend to stay home because they have good potential in their own states.
A typical day in montana might be to see 25 or 30 deer, with 10 or so being bucks, usually in the rut. Usually one or two of these will be a small 4 pt. That is pure heaven to the avg WA hunter. Especially, when they see that first 20 incher skylining himself....
I have hunted broadus and the breaks; I will take the breaks anytime. Lots of public ground, and there are vast areas in it that don't have a road going down every ridge. When we were in broadus 2001 the Eastman guys were there; the Primos guys were there. It was crazy..........they just hunted a little ways out of town along the river, we would see their PU parked every day.
Hunters in other western states (ID, Wy, Uah) have grown up in states that can and do produce trophy mule deer, so I think a lot of them tend to stay home because they have good potential in their own states.
A typical day in montana might be to see 25 or 30 deer, with 10 or so being bucks, usually in the rut. Usually one or two of these will be a small 4 pt. That is pure heaven to the avg WA hunter. Especially, when they see that first 20 incher skylining himself....
forkhunter
Active Member
- Messages
- 287
I agree with you guys on all the points you made. And yes, the 3-point rule may have served a purpose---I just don't think that is in any fashion a long-term way to manage a healthy deer herd. I like being able to get a tag each year as much as the next guy, but only a couple times have a felt uncomfortable enough out hunting that I felt my safety was even compromised---one of those times was hunting the opening weekend in Washington with the dozen or so hunters that were on the same small ridge I was on. I plan to hunt Washington again next year (haven't for the past 2), but I will be busting my butt farther in to wilderness. Last time I went about 3 miles in and had plenty of company...............
K
kirkl
Guest
LAST EDITED ON Nov-29-05 AT 03:53PM (MST)[p]I like montana cause you can pick and choose, not like here in WA. I have relatives back there so when we draw we hunt private grounds and I do love hunting those breaks back there, there awesome.
antlerradar
Active Member
- Messages
- 841
Ashland, not a lot of good paying jobs there, what is the job you are after. The aria can provide great hunting and fishing if you get out and do your homework. You will be hard pressed to find the classic western wintering arias around ashland. Deer can survive the winter there in just about any place. The res has some great habitat but very few deer. There are some great bucks on the res but not close to any of the roads. Nemont is right. the only hunting regulation on the res is NO Non Tribal Members. It is getting harder and harder to find a good buck on the forest but it is still possible. The aria north of 212 has the most deer but also the most hunters. The aria east of otter creek has the most roads but there are some arias were you can get away if you walk. The aria west of otter creek has the most roadless ground the but lowest number of deer ( the closer to the res. the fewer deer you will see.)and a higher presentage of hunters that hunt hard. Much of the Forest has burned in the last 20 years. This has been great for deer nunbers but bad for large bucks. One of my best arias burned in 2000. I was able to find at least one 180 class buck and several 170s in one creek every year in the 90's. Now that the aria burned I have only seen one 180 buck and 3 170 bucks there in the last five years. the reasion is that now you have alot fewer trees and deer are too easy to hunt. The best arias are thickly timbered and far enough from the hay fields that the bucks don't go there during the rut. There are lots of deer in the hay fields but the outfitters and landowner make quick work of and nice buck that shows up. One other thing. The high school situation in ashland really sucks. Ashland is in the Lame Deer high school district. Lets just say it is not the best of schools. Broadus is 45 miles to the east and Colstrip is about the same to the northwest.
Antlerradar
Antlerradar
