Whats the best unit in MT for trophy elk
Contributors to this thread:Elk
From: Huntin fool
22-May-10
I was wondering if anybody has any input on what is the best unit for big bulls in MT? By big I mean 350+. I don't mind a hard, physical hunt but I hate bumping elbows with other people. Suggestions?
From: huntingbob
22-May-10
I would think with the introduction of wolves the story has changed somewhat. I graduated high school in Roundup Montana and worked in the oil field in my early twenties in the Missouri Breaks south of Ft Peck resevoir back in the mid 80's. I'm telling you that there are some real monsters there even back then before the hunting show network evolved into what is today. I've also seen some big bulls on TV harvested there. I think that most of this land is Private and an outfitter would be a neccesity in this day and age. As a kid in the early 80's I was able to hunt a couple of large ranches in the Bull moutains south of Roundup and to this day have only seen a few places that produces elk and mule deer that even come close. But it's all private and leased to outfitters these days. OH how money talks.Good luck on your search! I would really look at the Missouri breaks or the Judith mtns area myself.
From: Bigdan
22-May-10
380 & 690 but good luck trying to draw a tag. and both areas are not that hard to get around in.
From: Rackmastr
22-May-10
Does Montana use a preference points or bonus points system for their draws?
From: Bugle
22-May-10
Bonus point system. I'm with BigDan on this one...380 if you can draw it!
From: Gold Miner
22-May-10
Close to 6000 people think that 380 is, the tag can be a nightmare due to all roads, cow/spike hunters. And the big bulls are that way for a reason. Still smart. I would apply to hunt up by BigDan in the Breaks.
From: Huntin fool
22-May-10
I liked the fact that 690 limits the amount of bowhunters in there unlike 380. I see they have been having good success there but didnt know what the quality of the bulls were they were taking. 6 point covers a lot of elk.
From: dr. bob
23-May-10
632-21, good elk low hunters, could be a hard draw.
From: Mtfury
23-May-10
Of all the hunters that have drawn a 380 Bull tag (besides the landowner tags)I bet less than 10% - 20% have killed a 350 or larger bull. Most have either killed a smaller 320 -340 class or have shot a raghorn.
The biggest bulls in 380 are located on the north end of the district where it is mostly private ranches with no access unless you pay a large fee.
From: Bx3
23-May-10
"Most have either killed a smaller 320 -340 class or have shot a raghorn."
Man that would suck :)
From: Bigdan
23-May-10
The other thing about 690 is there is only a max of two NR permits. But with 25 total bowhunters there won't be many other hunters.
From: JD1983
23-May-10
Best place for what you are looking for is probably the Flying D Ranch
From: emmas_daddy05
24-May-10
Don't overlook the southeastern part of montana. Tags aren't as hard to draw and elk can get up to 400 inches. It is mainly all private though.
From: Rat Fink
24-May-10
380 is a joke. If they want a true limited entry trophy type hunt they need to get rid of the cow and spike hunters. The unit is overrun with hunters. There needs to be some serious adjustments to the hunting seasons in this unit.
I have had friends with the tag the last 2 years and I have spent a lot of time in there helping them hunt. The unit could be great if they truely limited the access.
From: Toadslayer
24-May-10
313, if you had a time machine.
From: 6pointbull
24-May-10
Even the flyingD ranch is being affected by the wolves. Ted Turner had some wolves released on his ranch, that have really put a dent in the herd. What is left is pushed around and many have moved to other areas. Not the slam dunk it used to be.
From: BRI
24-May-10
I didn't think 380 was that bad with people during archery season. I had the tag in 2005 and in 7 days of hunting saw 1 person away from the truck. I've heard horror stories about it during the thunder stick season though.
Mtfury has it right. Look at the record books for elk in those counties. Only a few 350+ bulls have been entered.
From: black525
24-May-10
How is 391?
From: Toadslayer
24-May-10
391 is average to below average, general tag area with lots of public land. I've guided in there and very few bulls over 330. Lots of elk though.
From: black525
24-May-10
Thanks. My dad's friend owns property in Broadwater Co., but said we would be able to hunt public land aswell. We didn't draw this year but hopefully with the bonus point we will next year. Good to know there are lots of elk.
From: Toadslayer
24-May-10
Who is your dad's friend? I could go hunt it for you this year and let you know how it is.
From: elkslayer100
24-May-10
250 IS A GREAT UNIT FOR WOLVES
From: elkslayer100
24-May-10
250 IS A GREAT UNIT FOR WOLVES
From: flyingbrass
24-May-10
probably the unit that had the most livestock since that is the only place that has been killing wolves on a regular basis, horrible to have to think this way isn't it
From: elkslayer100
24-May-10
SET UP A DOUBLE BULL AT A LIVESTOCK YARD, MIGHT GET AN ELK.
From: black525
24-May-10
I have only met him once and don't recall his name. They were members on the National Pork Producers Council. He emailed a video of some nice bulls in velvet from last summer. I would love to go scout for myself but school and work have me pretty occupied.
From: mtbow
27-May-10
Rat Fink is right. I hunted 380 two years ago. Very frustrating. Cow/spike hunters everywhere.
There are some good bulls in there, but some can be very nocturnal.
