MT Long Odds
Contributors to this thread:Elk
From: HuntEasy
31-Jan-15
Top three trophy units with long odds for non-res?
From: HuntEasy
31-Jan-15
Archery, public land, DIY
From: HuntEasy
31-Jan-15
380,410, 622 - those up towards the top in terms of quality?
From: Gerald Martin
01-Feb-15
380- 350-370" top end. 410 and 622- 320-340" top end.
From: HuntEasy
01-Feb-15
Any other units that rival 380?
From: HUNT MAN
01-Feb-15
Nope 380 is the top unit in MT. HUNT
From: chasin bugles
01-Feb-15
690 was in the running a few years ago, but too many rifle permits have put a serious hurtin on the top end bulls. Almost all private as well so it helps to know someone. I'm sure if a guy hunted long and hard there are a few big bulls to be found though. 380 is where its at
From: HuntEasy
01-Feb-15
Montana has a bonus point system? I got a bonus last year. I still don't have a good handle on how the system works for LE in Montana.
From: Chief 419
01-Feb-15
I put in for Unit 410 last year and did not draw. Hoping for better luck this year.
From: JLS
01-Feb-15
The bonus point system gives you extra "names in the hat" so to speak. The first year you apply, you get one entry into the drawing. The second year, you get the square of your bonus points, so 2 points equals four entries. Three bonus points equals nine entries, and so on.
Montana draws all first choice applications first. It is not like Nevada where they run through all of your units listed and you get the first one that is available. Montana draws all first choice applicants for that permit before going to and second choice drawings.
As is the norm with bonus points, you can draw with no points or you can not draw with a bunch of points.
I drew a coveted deer tag one year with one bonus point. The same year, I could not draw an antelope tag with four bonus points, for a unit that was a 50% draw.
From: HuntEasy
02-Feb-15
What about 690-21? Bear paw mtns. #2 behind 380?
From: JLS
02-Feb-15
690 is almost entirely private. You better know someone before you apply.
From: HuntEasy
02-Feb-15
Any block management for 690?
From: Bigdan
02-Feb-15
Yes and 50,000 plus BLM acres
From: JLS
02-Feb-15
You are correct Dan, I forgot 690 went that four south and east.
From: HuntEasy
02-Feb-15
Big D - thanks.
From: MTsheds
02-Feb-15
Dan, I don't understand why you continually advertise and promote folks coming out to 680/621. You have broadcasted over the world wide web that your elk hunting cabin is in 621 and that is where you hunt. There are thousands of folks who read these threads and don't post, so I'm not surprised you had problems in your hunting area last year, its only going to get worse by focusing people in those units and your specific areas. As you know,until some access is worked out in Bullwhacker, much of that BLM is very difficult access, most is blocked by private, some by 50 yards of private.
From: pop-r
02-Feb-15
MTsheds, they issue the same amount of tags regardless of how Bigdan chooses to help people or not & there are never gonna be any leftovers. Lol. Go Bigdan.
From: Bigdan
02-Feb-15
Craig I don't hunt there except for sheep and after I hear the lies on here I can't stand it. My house is in 620. 690 has 35 Archery tags so no more then 3 can go to NR there is about 450 that apply for them tags. In 380 there is 110 with over 10,000 applying for tags there and up to 11 can go to NR there is So the NR apps don't hurt your odds in either area. And I sure you know the BLM is going to build in a new road into Bullwhcker this spring.Are you could come in on one of the ATV trails.
From: Florida Mike
02-Feb-15
You and me both Dan! Mike
From: patdel
02-Feb-15
Thanks for trying to help Dan.
From: HuntEasy
03-Feb-15
Does the 50,000 acres plus hold good bulls like the rest of the unit? Research I've done points to hiring an outfitter in 690. Anyone hunt public on 690 with any success?
From: chasin bugles
03-Feb-15
Of course there are always exceptions but its tough hunting on the blm for big bulls. I helped a buddy on his hunt last year. There were bulls in the south end of the unit but we had a hard time finding anything over 300". He ended up heading up north and paying a trespass fee and took a 315" bull. The rifle hunt on the other hand is a different story. The elk all head south as soon as the rut is over and can be found on the 50,000 no problem. I drew a rifle cow permit for the unit a few years ago and tried hunting private land up north but literally couldn't find a single cow or fresh track in 3 days of hunting. I headed south on the 4th day and cut my tag at first light. If you're a trophy archery elk hunter and pull a 690 permit, you had either better know someone or have deep pockets.
