DILLON & ALDER, MT INFO?

H

HerbD

Guest
The application is in, but I haven't hunted around Dillon and Alder for 6 years now. So, I was wondering if anyone could give me some current info re. elk and deer hunting there. Also, I would like to converse with someone regarding access to specific areas.

Thanks in advance,
E-mail OK

Herb
 
Are you looking into rifle or archery? There are many great areas around dillon for both. I would look real hard at the Bloody ##### Drainage.
 
Rifle.I had forgotten about that area as I never did go there. Do you live around Dillon or is that one of your hunting spots?
 
HerbD,
That area gets hit pretty hard(Bloody ##### Cr and the Bighole River). I remember a few years back a bunch of hippies trashed up the area pretty bad. It used to be a really good archery elk area but everyone and their uncle hunts there it seems. With some research you may be able to find an area thats not too pressured. Good luck finding a place to hunt around Alder. There are a few places, like a couple of block management ranches I believe, but most of the ranch land is owned by rich people that dont allow hunting. If I sound a little pessimistic, I appologize, but I would not spend the time and money to hunt these areas if I was an out of stater knowing what I know about them. Perhaps someone else would. Just my two cents.
Irl
 
Ismith,
Thanks for the reply. When I was in Dillon 6 years ago it seemed to me that the whole surrounding area was hit really hard. I never did get a chance at taking a shot then.
This year I'm hoping to take my 2 nephews on their first and hopefully successful elk hunt. And, yes, we're from Northern Kali.
Your also correct about Alder. I remember seeing this high fence and later somebody said, "Oh yeah! That's Ted Turner's Ranch". Definitely out of my league. :D
Do you think we should put in for the special drawing later on in order to have a good hunting experience? If so, what's the best way to find out which areas?
 
HerbD,
Are you planning on hunting archery or rifle? And I definately recommend applying for the special hunts. I strongly recommend you look into the Block Management areas, especially the ones that require reservations and limit the number of hunters. There are some really good elk hunting books out there. You would be wise to read a couple of them. Let me know more about what your expectations are and I may be able to recommend an area for you to start researching.
Irl
 
HerbD,
Sorry, I didnt see that you mentioned that you would be hunting rifle in a previous post. Let me know what you hunt expectations are and Ill get back to you.
Irl
 
ismith,

Our expectations vary. Personally I'd be tickled pink to meet up with a larger bull elk as my 5 & 6 point Colorado bulls are actually quite small and I wouldn't mind a wall hanger. Also, because this could be my last elk hunt. The mid-sixties are making it tough for me to hike up the mountains after elk.

The two young guys would probably be happy with 4 or 5 point bulls-spikes or cows as a last resort. They are beginning hunters (early 20s)and have only gotten a deer each in WY last year.

As for deer, we'd probably expect to see decent 4 pointers as that is what I saw before but we would settle on big 3 pointers on the last days of hunting.

You might say we are not trophy hunters, but naturally, if possible we would like to get at least average animals. I figure if I can make it a successful hunt for them, they would be hooked on elk and mulies for life.

One thing I would like to avoid in Montana is a repeat of what happened to me twice in Wyoming. That is, having a much younger hunter observe me hiking my way up to a large bull elk, in knee deep snow, and deciding he could out hike me. He outflanked me, raced up the hillside and shot the elk right out from under me.
 
HerbD,
Area 329 is not too bad if you know how to deal with the crowds. I believe this area is still a antlered bull area, as opposed to a brow-tined bull only area(so you can still shoot spikes and forkies). I think you would have a decent chance of being successful here if you do your homework. There are some areas you could hunt without making too rough on yourself as well as some areas your nephews could take off for the high country. It is definately an opening week hunt though, as the elk move out of this country when the snow flys. The mule deer hunting is so-so at best. There are some decent mulies there though and I can tell you where to go them If you decide to hunt this area. This is definately not a trophy deer area, I want to stress this. I have seen some decent elk there during archery season(which is probally the only time id personally hunt here). I have seen some raghorns and spikes during rifle season and seen some harvested as well. I strongly recommend that you take up archery hunting to experience all that elk hunting has to offer. It is my opinion you and your nephews would have a much more enjoyable experience. Just my 2cents.
Irl
 
I'm just a tiny bit familiar with 329 having been to Bannack & Grant. I think I might have gone to Brown?s Canyon, but a blizzard prevented me from doing much there. Also we drove as far as Big Hole Pass to look around.

You?re absolutely right about the size of the animals. A couple of friends or mine hired an outfitter out of Grant and they were both disappointed that all they ever saw were spikes. So that's what they harvested and that's what kept me away from there from then on.

Have you hunted any of the other areas around Dillon? If so I'd like to ask your opinion about a couple of spots that I'm interested in. That, however, I'd rather do by personal e-mail.
 
HerbD,
Yes Ive done quite a bit of my elk hunting around Dillon. Id be glad to share some of my experiences in the area with you. If I dont know much about an area your interested in Ill see what I can find out about it for ya. My email is [email protected]
Irl
 

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