Elk Hunting in the Bearpaws?

I can't seem to draw a bull tag in my home state so I suppose I better start looking in Montana.

I'm up in Havre right now and have been talking to the locals and they say the big boys live in District 690.

What do all you Montanans think?

Bulls are big up there. But the draw odds are fairly steep and access is limited.

I noticed the access looked awfully sketchy. I don't mind applying for several years as long as it's a great unit.

I was told there are no wolves or grizzlies there, is that true?

There isn't any grizzlies but as for wolves I think that they are about throughout the whole state.

That's kinda what I figured.

I know a lot of hunters in Havre, no one has said anything about wolves. I grew up there, its 99% private land and the BLM land is tough to get too because you have to cross private land to get too it, and most won't let you. Do a google search of Bullwhacker road and you'll see what im talking about. Its a absolutely beautiful area, both 680 and 690. Killed alot of big bucks in the breaks back in the 80s-90s.

I'm baffled why anyone would want to still put in for it. How do you hunt an area that's 99% private? Are there any walk-ins or HMAs... or do you just have to pay steep trespass fees? Or worse yet, hire an outfitter?

There is a outfitter that has locked up alot of land in that area. Bearpaw outfitters is the company. Look them up. I requested a price list from them last year, $10,000 to shoot a Elk. $7,000 for a mule deer. There is land to hunt, but you just have to know who will let you on. The propery owner on Bullwacker road, which is the breaks area, will let tag holders for elk and sheep use the road i guess. Just makes me sick to see all the ranches i hunted on as a kid locked up.. The almighty dollar speaks. There are block management areas in the bearpaws south of Havre, not many, but a few. I put in for tags last year. Was hoping to beable to go home and hunt again, but didnt get drawn.

And be more specific, I believe the Bearpaws are 100% private and the BLM land is in the breaks area.

Thanks for the info. Looks like I'll be scratching this idea...