Montana Missouri Breaks

[m00sedrool]

Did anyone hunt in the breaks this past bow season? If so, how'd you do? I hear that place is loaded with big bulls and you hear a lot of bugling, but that there are lots of hunters also. I recently moved from Montana to the east coast, but want to get back out there within the next two years or so if I can get drawn as a non-resident.

 

[mtmuley]

I rifle hunted it. Loaded is maybe too strong a word, but there are a number of big bulls there. I have friends that archery hunt there and it tends to get crowded at times. mtmuley

 

[NeMont]

There isn't a 350 bull standing behind every tree as some would lead you to believe. In addition it depends upon which unit you plan on hunting. Crowding is getting to be a real issue out there during the bow season. There was a proposal to drastically reduce the number of bow permits given but it was not implemented this year but I bet the issue will come back.

If you are willing to burn up some shoe leather and spend some time you will get into elk.

Nemont

 

[crextin]

I haven't hunted the breaks during bow season, but have been fortunate enough to draw a few rifle permits. I agree w/ NE mont ther aren't 350 class bulls behind every tree, but with the willingness to work hard and get away from the beaten path a good bull can be found.

 

[m00sedrool]

Thanks for the input guys. While I was out there, I spent one season hunting the little belts pretty hard...and had quite a bit of success seeing elk and several bulls, just wasn't able to get off a shot. Holding out for a bull definitely cost me seeing that I passed up reasonable shots at cows early on, but it was well worth it to me. The area we were in wasn't overhunted by any means and the elk were there, early on especially, but kind of became scarce as the season went on. Maybe I'll stick with what I know vs fight that mess out in the breaks if I get the opportunity to get back out there. Thanks again.

PS....never move East!! )

 

[MuleyMeyers]

I have bow hunted the breaks exclusively since 1992, You can have some good days hunting the rut there, with some good bugling early in am. Hunter pressure really seems to be educateing the new millenium of elk there, they dont bugle like they used to, and are very call shy. There may be a few 350 bulls around, but I would say the average would be 280-300, with alot of nice 6x6's My group has shot alot of bulls there with the best being 335 6\8 net. bow kill. I know a good rifle hunter who spent 12 days with horses to settle for a 330 bull. Your best bet for a big bull would be to find some private ranchs that border the cmr." Charles M. Russel" That control hunter pressure and might have a older age structure. That being said, Private ranch hunts cost more money useually, but that gets you to the access you need to find that special elk. There are a few outfitters who still are allowed in the breaks, contact fish, wildlife, and parks for the list. Shoot straight. MM