SW montana elk

[BozemanBuck]

We usually hunt in the tobacco root range and it seems like there is not a whole lot of elk density there .. if any. Were looking for something new. What is the best range or region in sw montana, no specific spots just in general. Thank you

[HuskyMusky]

ElkObjective2011.jpg

this may help.

[BozemanBuck]

Thats perfect huskymusky.. thank you. What does anybody think about the regions 390 and 391 near maudlow. Anything good up there or maybe stay south in the gallatins and nearby?

[Musket Man]

not sure how much I would trust that map since they are saying several units bordering YNP are at and over objective and from what I know wolves have hit them pretty hard. Madison and Gallatin ranges used to be good but think nunbers are down now too. gallatins are fairly accesable but from my experience you really need horses to hunt madison range effectively.

[Bitterroot Bulls]

I haven't hunted the Tobacco Roots in a decade, but never had trouble finding elk there. If density is what you are looking for, the Gravelly's are a good bet, but with good access and more elk, you find more hunters.

[HuskyMusky]

according to that map I'd hit 391 over 390...

also my experience in 331 and 332 proves accurate, elk numbers were way down when I was there, had I saw that map prior to my hunt I would have chose an "over objective" unit probably or at least not a "under objective" unit.

maybe some of those other units are still good, but my personal belief for a non-res in MT at least is go special elk tag or nothing.

Hopefully MT continues to improve. We've got to keep on them and demand improvements.

[Musket Man]

I was thinking of Gravelly's not Gallatins.

[MSUcat61]

I'm guessing by your name that you live in Bozeman? When I lived there, I always found plenty of elk right in the Bridgers and the Bangtails. You have to deal with getting around private land, but there is plenty of public land once you do.

[BozemanBuck]

Always wondered where the bangtails were? Are they the ones straight east of bozeman? If so, what are some good access points? from the bozo side or the livingston side?

[Bitterroot Bulls]

The Bangtails are the low range just East of the Bridgers. You can access it through Jackson Creek and the Bridger Highway. A lot of the private land is RY Timber land and is fully open to the public for hunting on foot and horseback.