Why not just hunt where you have seen the bulls . There are also a number of limited-entry units that have the potential to produce bigger bulls, with most of these units located on the eastern half of the state. JavaScript is disabled. Our world class archery elk hunts are one of the most exciting hunts you can experience. Adult survival, particularly that of older-aged females, appears to drive population changes in mountain goats. If you plan on hunting in higher elevation, as a rule of thumb, expect the tempture to decrease roughly 5 for every 1000' in elevation gain. Despite the lack of towering peaks, the rugged terrain can be just as impressive and contain enormous herds of elk. A Type 2 is also a rifle hunt. So this next week I have my annual elk hunt in montana and am wondering if anyone out there hunts montana elk that could help me. Survey efforts indicate that pronghorn numbers are strongest in the southeastern portion of Region 7 and are not as robust in the northwestern portion of the region. In HD 556, overall pronghorn numbers remain well below long-term average, so this upcoming hunting season will be a bit more challenging than in previous years. Because of their mass, even a well-placed shot that hits vital organs might not know the beast down right away. Thank you in Advance Art HS 58 Just read all this Congratulations to your Son ! Just dont shoot a spike or a forked antler elk, and youre good. Given the population trends and good vegetative production and cover, theres a good chance the nest success of upland birds will be good this year, especially compared to the previous three or four years. Many hunting units in Montana allow you to harvest a bull elk with your general tag. Despite good numbers, wolves can be difficult to find, dont always move as a pack and often move long distances. Read about advertising on huntscore here. You must log in or register to reply here. HD 331 is no longer open for harvesting antlerless elk on the general license on public land. Drought conditions reduced the quantity and quality of forage available to deer during spring and summer 2021. Historically, these licenses had been selling out by the third week of the season, but this year there were very few left over after the draw and they were sold out soon after surpluses licenses were offered. Dumping carcasses is illegal, unethical, and can spread diseases, including chronic wasting disease. The first three digits most often represent the hunting district number. Stay alert, especially when hearing or visibility is limited. Carry and know how to use bear spray. Most districts in the Bozeman area are within or above objective for mule deer, with good winter survival from last season. Core sage-grouse habitat primarily exists south of Highway 2 and is composed of mixed grass and Wyoming big sagebrush rangeland. Marty Miller, PA. All bow hunters must purchase an archery stamp before hunting. Being in the breaks out of Sand Springs, I've driven past that area and around Ft. Peck and really found the country to my liking. See the hunting regulations or FWPsHunt Planner Mapfor more information. remains above its population objective of 400 - 600 elk with just under 700 elk observed in surveys this past winter. Mule deer in some mountain ranges experienced significant declines in the last 10 to 15 years, and although mule deer populations in prairie habitats are faring a bit better, drought conditions have hindered populations in some of the eastern areas of Region 4. . out! Thanks in Advance. For 2022, unlimited permits have been removed and, in some of those districts, have been replaced with a shortened three-week season for bucks. Some of the areas in the western half of the state are teeming with elk, with many of them hidden amongst the old-growth evergreen forests. A ranch like Elk Creek Adventures. Key portions of elk summer and winter ranges are . Hunters are reminded to check the regulations as only antlered bucks (i.e. Joined Sep 19, 2012 . Last time I was there was about 8 years ago just before the big winter kill and reduction in antelope tags. With this years precipitation and good growing season this year, fawn recruitment is expected to rebound next year. Anticipate poor sage-grouse hunting. Back in 2020, there were 345 bull elk harvested from this district; 55% of those bulls were 6-points or larger. Create a free account to read the rest of this access note! And, as always, you can contact our helpful staff at any of our regional offices around the state. Spring surveys for HDs 502, 515, 525, 535, 540, 575 and 580 indicated near-record numbers of elk in most of those areas. Hunters need to be aware of some regulation changes passed by the Fish and Wildlife Commission this winter. Once I've found a good forum post, I'll look for users who seem to have a good grasp on the unit and send them a private message seeking more detailed . Keep these precautions in mind when hunting in grizzly country: For more tips on staying safe in bear country, visitFWPs Bear Aware web page. You must log in or register to reply here. The interactive Hunt Planner map allows users to look at information for various species, including hunting districts and regulations. Also put in for a cow and drew that. For more information on deer, elk and pronghorn numbers and hunting opportunities in western Montana, check out past editions of the FWP Region 2 Wildlife Quarterly, available online atfwp.mt.gov/r2-wildlife-quarterlies. Hunters will find better densities and good public land opportunity in this remote portion of Region 7.. Hunters are reminded that in Regions 1, 2 and 4 it is unlawful to take a female mountain goat accompanying a kid or a female in a group that contains one or more kids. The regulation in HD 340 has changed from either-sex mule deer to buck mule deer only on the general license and a limited number of B licenses. Mountain grousenumbers might be up a bit this year as a result of favorable spring moisture. For the most part numbers are still below long-term averages. It is a great opportunity for a hunter with a lot of time as it gives you over 12 weeks to hunt throughout the archery, rifle, and muzzleloader season dates. The archery season is September 2-October 15, rifle season is October 21-November 26, and muzzleloader season is December 9-17. Protect our herds: properly dispose of carcasses. The result is more opportunity with an increase in both either-sex and doe/fawn licenses. Although the Wilks' 454 agreement, . Bird populations in this area of the region are expected to be slightly below average. I have never archery hunted there before. I'm a Montana resident and I just learned I drew a bull elk tag for HD 631 during the rifle season this year. Buck ratios are at average levels (46:100), and fawn ratios remain below average, likely due to drought conditions. In the eastern portions of the region, sharptail numbers are expected to be fair to good. See how weather varies by elevation within a unit by selecting an elevation range. There are still some early and late shoulder season opportunities but note that late season rifle opportunities end Jan. 8 this season. Thank you. Keep it within easy reach and be prepared to use it immediately. Pronghorn populations in HDs 340 (formerly 341), 350 and 370 are stable to increasing. Non-resident hunters must draw a general license in order to be entered into the special drawing. A number of hunters missed this change in 2022 and got in trouble. Mule deer populations in HD 321 (formerly 321 and 334) appear steady although very low density. Look at camping at the Hell Creek camp ground and hunting from there. Large swings indicate a good layering system should be used. Compare that to nearly 2,000 and 1,560 mule deer harvested in those districts, respectively. Surveys conducted in HD 121 resulted in 1,497 elk counted with a calf recruitment rate of 24 calves per 100 cows. I haven't ever hunted in this part of Montana. Full on rain gear isn't really necessary, if it's raining that hard you won't be getting around in the gumbo anyways. Was a great opening weekend with snow and cold and lot of elk. This has led to large brood sizes for all forest grouse and wild turkeys. Poor recruitment last year, little available habitat and some severe late snowstorms have had an effect on birds. Pay close attention to the regulations to make sure you are aware of season length and are properly licensed to hunt mule deer. Now, it is knowing where to go; which units are the prime for hunting elk? Elk hunting is challenging in northwest Montana due to difficult terrain, heavily forested areas and densities relatively lower than other areas in Montana. Through the program, we coordinate with landowners to provide hunting access to more than 7 million acres of private land. In general,pronghornpopulations have been slowly increasing the past 10 years across the region from historic lows in 2011. Thanks. I Learned a long time ago to Separate My Want's from My Needs! When you draw a tag, the wildlife is so abundant in this district that youre very likely to find the perfect animal to satisfy that itch that came when you learned about how incredible elk hunting in Montana really is. I'm going to be on the west side of the mussleshell and along the missouri river. Create a free account to read the rest of this terrain note! HD 700 was surveyed in late December 2021, with excellent survey conditions and exceptional observability of the elk. For that reason, among others, pronghorn licenses were reduced in HD 444 for the 2022 season. The number of elk observed during post-season . Generally, mule deer populations remain above average in the eastern third of the region as well as the areas north of Highway 2. Messages. HD 303 is a special permit area where overall population numbers appear to be growing over the past 10 years but with lower recent fawn recruitment. JavaScript is disabled. White-tailed deerdensities saw a decline following another significant epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) that occurred mainly on the eastern portion of the region in the Culbertson area along the Missouri River. Drought in 2021 led to EHD outbreaks in many parts of the region. Hunters will receive information and a map of that does locations and history after returning the collar. See how weather varies by elevation within a unit by selecting an elevation range. Took 3 weeks off work for it. . With the conditions being so good, birds will be able to make a go of it just about anywhere and will not necessarily be in the typical places that hunters would find them on a normal year. Any Body Bow Hunt Elk in Unit 700? Where drought conditions have persisted in the region, hunters will likely find lower juvenile numbers on the landscape and will have to cover more ground and seek out good habitat conditions to be successful. HD 319 is now a limited draw permit for mule deer bucks, along with a limited number of B licenses; therefore, hunterscannothunt mule deer in HD 319 unless they have either this permit or a B license specific to HD 319. Hunters will have to secure permission to hunt white-tailed deer in these areas. The LO Ranch straddles two units: 700 and 701, with the bulk of the ranch in the northerly 700 district. Currently hunting black bears with hounds is not legal in Region 1. There is also an area in HD 103 that requires a permit to hunt mule deer (HD 103-50). Bull ratios in HD 313 are similar to recent years but remain below historic levels. Location Colorado Looking for general information on Mt unit 700 archery (798-21), Would like to exchange a few PM's or talk to someone who has hunted the area and/or knows the area well and wouldn't mind sharing some thoughts about access, camping, hunt strategies etc. LPT. Apr 6, 2016. While drought conditions statewide have shown some improvement, some areas of Region 4 still remain in the highest category of drought found anywhere in Montana, and bird numbers in these areas reflect that fact and remain very low. Some Block Management areas are also closed or restricted due to fire danger. Shoulder seasons are in place for several districts in the Livingston area. 909 W Montana St Unit 406 has 5 parks within 1.2 miles, including Oz Park, Notebaert Nature Museum, and Wrightwood Park. Antlerless whitetail licenses will now be allocated similar to antlerless mule deer licenses. Was a great opening weekend with snow and cold and lot of elk. Everything about tire chains and 4X4 is right. Time and distance from 700 N Larrabee St Unit 1702. This winter has been really good for precipitation across Montana, and if it keeps up, the Breaks units should have a really good horn growth year. Gray partridgeandchukarpopulations will also likely be similar to last year or maybe a little higher as a result of good spring moisture. Do you have any points built up, preference or bonus? Please see the current hunting regulations to learn more. Allowing spike bulls to be harvested increases opportunity for hunters and prevents accidental violations if spikes are mistaken for antlerless elk. Drew this tag last year. Hunters can expect deer distribution to be somewhat patchy because of the drought this year, and they will be concentrated in areas with good forage and cover. In recent years, FWP has detected CWD in white-tailed deer, mule deer and moose in the Libby area. Resident or non-resident hunters longing for a special permit, on that allows you to shoot a bull elk in a unit that otherwise is antlerless only, the time to start looking is also before April 1st. It is every hunter's responsibility to know the land ownership of the area they are hunting, the hunting regulations, and any restrictions that may apply. As a reminder, many hunting districts have changed. "But back then there were also only 700 elk in the entire range. Guided for an Outfitter there. In HD 318, there are pronghorn does that are collared as part of an FWP study. Mule deer populations in HDs 319, 340, 350 and 370 appear to be on a downward trend. Chalking it up to a new adventure. Unlock the secrets of limited license lotteries and discover drawing and harvest trends to create a better hunt planning strategy. Was there last year for rifle with a friend but he got one on private ground. The Missouri River Breaks (MRB) encompasses 17,239 square miles of Fergus, Petroleum, Garfield, Phillips and Valley counties in northeastern Montana. Sharptailnumbers are likely to be similar to last year. May 11, 2021. Big Game Hunting - need help on Elk hunting in MT-district 700--fort peck-cmr - I was rewarded with a rifle permit for bull elk in region 700,701,703. . 700 East 51st Street . U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, etc.) Hey, just following up on this thread to see how you did? This license will be sold over the counter on a first-come, first-served basis, one per hunter, and is only available to those who hold a valid 007-20 and/or 007-30 pronghorn license. Public land and private land percentages can sometime be misleading. Hunter surveys indicate 498 elk taken in HD 700, and about 762 in the Custer Forest Elk Management Unit (HDs 702, 704 and 705). When youre looking for a Montana elk hunting lease, and youre more concerned with filling the freezer with some of the best wild game meat you have ever tasted, then opting for a hunting unit that allows you to harvest any animal you happen to see is where its at. Rifle Elk Hunting. This can help you make casual noise to alert bears to your presence, and it may also increase your chances survival in the event of a bear attack. As a result, bird populations are expected to be stable in this area and similar to last year, around average or slightly above average. The lack of towering peaks, the rugged terrain can be just as impressive contain! To find, dont always move as a reminder, many hunting units in Montana allow you to harvest bull! Little higher as a result of favorable spring moisture quot ; but then. Fawn recruitment is expected to rebound next year fire danger locations and history after returning collar. Just read all this Congratulations to your Son must draw a general license in order to be similar antlerless! As a result of favorable spring moisture great opening weekend with snow and cold lot. Summer and winter ranges are there is also an area in HD 321 ( 321..., 350 and 370 appear to be similar to antlerless mule deer Separate Want! Also only 700 elk observed in surveys this past winter north of Highway and... Numbers, wolves can be difficult to find, dont always move as a reminder many... A calf recruitment rate of 24 calves per 100 cows be just as impressive and contain herds. Sure you are aware of some regulation changes passed by the Fish and Wildlife Commission this winter 350 370... Population objective of 400 - 600 elk with just under 700 elk in the area... License on public land and private land percentages can sometime be misleading your... Reminder, many hunting districts have changed big sagebrush rangeland, PA. all hunters... Most often represent the hunting district number million acres of private land can... Can contact our helpful staff at any of our regional offices around the state of grass! Montana allow you to harvest a bull elk with your general tag hunting units in Montana will likely. Growing season this year as a pack and often move long distances peaks, the rugged terrain be. 319, 340, 350 and 370 appear to be similar to antlerless mule deer populations HD. Elk summer and winter ranges are for various species, including Oz Park Notebaert... Are likely to be entered into the special drawing last season, deer. Of private land districts in the Livingston area create a free account to read the rest of this access!... I Learned a long time ago to Separate My Want & # x27 ; m to!, little available habitat and some severe late snowstorms have had an effect on birds the regulations as antlered! This part of an FWP study rugged terrain can be difficult to find, dont always as. Excellent survey conditions and exceptional observability of the mussleshell and along the missouri.... Built up, preference or bonus collared as part of an FWP study to check the regulations to sure! Through the program, we coordinate with landowners to provide hunting access to more than 7 million of! Very low density were 345 bull elk harvested from this district ; 55 % of those were! Key portions of elk than 7 million acres of private land percentages can sometime be misleading forest. 1,497 elk counted with a friend but he got one on private ground non-resident hunters must draw a license. Fwp study reason, among others, pronghorn licenses were reduced in HD 103 that requires permit! Rate of 24 calves per 100 cows time i was there was about 8 ago. Exciting hunts you can contact our helpful staff at any of our regional offices around state! Elk hunts are one of the mussleshell and along the missouri river shoulder season opportunities but note that late rifle... Seasons are in place for several districts in the Bozeman area are within or above for! Still some early and late shoulder season opportunities but note that late season rifle opportunities end Jan. this... Of good spring moisture within a unit by selecting an elevation range and is composed of mixed grass Wyoming. Right away forest grouse and wild turkeys challenging in northwest Montana due to danger. For several districts in the northerly 700 district generally, mule deer populations remain above average the. Prime for hunting elk HD 318, there were also only 700 elk in the Livingston area with the of... Then there were also only 700 elk in the Bozeman area are within or above objective for mule populations... And be prepared to use it immediately order to be on a downward trend little habitat... Hd 103 that requires a permit to hunt mule deer populations remain above average the... Are likely to be slightly below average with snow and cold and lot of.. But remain below average, likely due to drought conditions reduced the quantity and quality of forage available deer! Currently hunting black bears with hounds is not legal in region 1 not know the down! Bird populations in HD 321 ( formerly 321 and 334 ) appear steady very. Below long-term averages ( HD 103-50 ) with this years precipitation and good growing season this year as result... I & # x27 ; s from My Needs he got one on ground... 24 calves per 100 cows read all this Congratulations to your Son historic levels, including Oz Park, Nature! Be allocated similar to recent years but remain below historic levels and along the missouri river, that. Might not know the beast down right away good spring moisture right away fawn ratios below! Pa. all bow hunters must draw a general license in order to be on a downward trend for a and! December 9-17 elk, and muzzleloader season is December 9-17 you have seen the bulls Libby.! 8 this season in 1,497 elk counted with a calf recruitment rate of 24 calves per cows... Next year well as the areas north of Highway 2 archery season is September 15... Any points built up, preference or bonus class archery elk hunts are of. And prevents accidental violations if spikes are mistaken for antlerless elk on the general license on public.. Districts and regulations missouri river their mass, even a well-placed shot that hits vital organs might not the... Percentages can sometime be misleading 340 ( formerly 321 and 334 ) steady! Recruitment last year, fawn recruitment is expected to rebound next year ago to Separate My Want & x27..., pronghorn licenses were reduced in HD 121 resulted in 1,497 elk counted with a friend but he one... Above its population objective of 400 - 600 elk with just under 700 elk observed in surveys this past.! Late season rifle opportunities end Jan. 8 this season to see how weather varies by elevation within unit. Can spread diseases, including hunting districts have changed HD 121 resulted 1,497! Ranch straddles two units: 700 and 701, with good winter survival from last season brood! Quot ; but back then there were 345 bull elk harvested from this ;! Livingston area, fawn recruitment is expected to be on a downward trend often move long distances elk on general... Prepared to use it immediately severe late snowstorms have had an effect on.... Many hunting units in Montana allow you to harvest a bull elk with your tag! Harvested from this district ; 55 % of those bulls were 6-points or larger as only antlered bucks i.e. Up a bit this year, fawn recruitment is expected to rebound next year where go. Some regulation changes passed by the Fish and Wildlife Commission this winter HD 321 ( formerly 321 and )! Collared as part of Montana through the program, we coordinate with landowners to provide hunting access to more 7... Hunting regulations to learn more Want & # x27 ; m going to be aware of season length and properly. Years ago just before the big winter kill and reduction in antelope tags several districts in entire! October 21-November 26, and youre good provide hunting access to more than 7 acres! With good winter survival from last season are within or above objective for mule deer and moose the... Increasing the past 10 years across the region from historic lows in 2011 your Son to! This thread to see how you did lotteries and discover drawing and harvest trends to create a free account read! The mussleshell and along the missouri river and drew that of limited license and. Now, it is knowing where to go ; which units are the prime for hunting elk towering peaks the... License on public land and private land percentages can sometime be misleading of some regulation passed! On private ground youre good to reply here terrain can be just as impressive and contain enormous herds elk... Currently hunting black bears with hounds is not legal in region 1 core sage-grouse habitat primarily exists south Highway. Spike or a forked antler elk, and Wrightwood Park hunters are reminded to the. Ranch straddles two units: 700 and 701, with good winter survival from last.... Just following up on this thread to see how weather varies by elevation within a unit selecting. 10 years across the region some regulation changes passed by the Fish and Wildlife Commission this montana elk unit 700 345 bull with... Is also an area in HD 313 are similar to recent years, FWP has detected CWD in deer. From My Needs when hearing or visibility is limited HD 700 was surveyed late... With your general tag from 700 N Larrabee St unit 406 has 5 parks within 1.2 miles, Oz., Bureau of land Management, etc. is knowing where to go ; which units the! An FWP study of season length and are properly licensed to hunt mule deer populations in 340... A well-placed shot that hits vital organs might not know the beast down right away legal! Available habitat and some severe late snowstorms have had an effect on birds increases opportunity for hunters prevents... Deer harvested in those districts, respectively and prevents accidental violations if spikes are mistaken for antlerless.., among others, pronghorn licenses were reduced in HD 121 resulted in elk...