Elk Hunting the Bob Marshall Wilderness

[mathisde2^]

We are putting in for Montana NR Elk tags. Anybody have experience hunting in the BMW? I am looking at unit 150 in the Danaher area or potentially North Fork of the Sun River.

[Montanawidower]

Thats pretty steep and deep country.  You getting an outfitter or DIY?

[mathisde2^]

IF we draw tags, outfitter this year to get the lay of the land. Pending how Mt tags work out for later years, we will pack in on our own. Have you been up there? It looks like the challenge is getting into the back country. Then it appears workable.

[steadman]

Used to vacation on the Sun River. Beautiful country. Lots of bear too. Guys that owned the little store warned of the grizz in the area. Rugged country, but looked like great elk country. Picked up a few sheds down lower. Wished I could have hunted it though. Good luck!

[Montanawidower]

Personally no, but I have a buddy that has hunted the sun river area with horses.  He said its big nasty country.  But... thats why you come to Montana.  We hunt mostly SW montana.  I prefer it because its more "parked out". (i.e. more meadows and open slopes.)  Good luck.

[Elk whisperer]

do nr have to use an outfitter in wilderness areas

[joe skipp]

When I bowhunted the Cabinet Mtns in Montana, a few guys said the Bob was steeper, rougher and had more Grizzlies than the Cabinets.

The late Jack Howard used to hunt the Bob but he also stated the Grizzlies were becoming a nuisance.

[Keuka]

I think there was a article in one of the "Traditional Bowhunter Magazine" not too long ago on that area. I think the author was local, experienced and used pack horses.

Anyway, as I recall, the bears had become real brazen and I believe he ended up pulling out because of them.

[Montanawidower]

Elk whisperer.  No you don't need an outfitter to hunt wilderness in MT.   In a place as big as the Bob  it may not be a bad idea.  Not all wilderness is prime elk country.  Elk have preferred places they return to every year to really rut.  It differs from summer range and winter range,(not always in private ranch situations.. just talking deep backcountry)  Anyway its a little like hunting a subtle migration.  An outfitter will have an idea what drainages to drop you in to find the rutting elk.  The advantage of some other smaller pockets in other parts of the state is that you can prospect with day hikes and still pull camp and move.  If you pack way in and the drainage is barren, it could be a long week.   My two cents.  (The flip side is the camping, creek fishing and scenery will blow you away... elk or no elk.)  

As for bears, don't sweat them.  Carry a pistol and/or some bear spray and you'll be fine.  Its more dangerous to DRIVE to MT than hunt with grizzlies.  If you make meat... then worry.  Until then, just stay alert and you're fine.

[mathisde2^]

I agree with what Monatanawidower said. Ya don't need an outfitter but you do need stock. I have hutned teh Frank Church and I don't think you could do it on foot unless you are an iron man.
I keep getting the "steer clear" from lots of elk hunters who are concerned about bears and wolves, but when I talk to refs who have hunted the Bob recently they ramble on about the area and quickly lapse into a commatose reverie about their great experience in the Bob. The only negative comment I have heard in the 27 calls I've made is the long ride in. Most of the elk taken are 6x6 with good mass.
We are looking at outfitters in the North Fork of the Sun River in EU 442, the Danaher area in 150 and the Spotted Bear area. The northern areas look like rougher country that is largely dark timber. The Danaher is very remote, but looks like more manageble terain with broad parks and meadows. Our plan is to stay mobile with backup options to move to better drainages if the elk arent't there when we start due to wolves or what ever. It certainly wouldn't hurt our feelings to run into some bears or wolves.

[dryfly]

Trust me, you do need an outfitter, and you need to contact fish & game for your non res. license. If you have chosen an outfitter, you will apply for your tag through him, and your almost guaranteed a tag.

That is rough country, and unless you have all the pack equip. and camping equip. it will be a ton of work before, and after the hunt. I would certainly recommend an outfitter for your first hunt in the BMW, and once you get the lay of the land, and get comfortable with the potential for Griz encounters etc. then you can at least make an educated decision for yourself.

As elkwidower said, if you do kill one, then you better watch for the bears. One guy I know that hunted across from our house in SW Montana a few years ago, only got out with the two hind quarters, and felt lucky to do that. First the wolves were there withing 30 minutes, howling etc. but never got real close. He left to walk out with plans of returning the next morning to finish the job. Upon return, the elk had been drug 50 yards from the spot he left him, and covered up somewhat. Griz tracks all around. So, he and the friend he brought back with him got the hind quarters, and got out.

Obviously that is not the norm, but the Bob is probably the most likely place in Montana to have an encounter.

Wish you luck, and hope you have a great hunt.  

Just my opinion!

[mathisde2^]

I agree on using an outfitter, but the tag system changed this year. No more guranteed outfitter tags is pretty clear. It looks like you put in for a general elk license draw. If you draw that, then you are eligible for limited draw areas in a later drawing or you can hunt the genreal access areas which are the units we are looking at in the Bob. Not sure so much on the second part. We will be putting in our apps this week though to be ahead of the 15 Mar D/L.

[dryfly]

Didn't realize it had changed. That may make things a little harder to get a tag. Oh well!

Good Luck!

[mathisde2^]

Applications submitted. It's a May drawing.

[Elk whisperer]

Got stock and have been hunting wilderness areas for 20+ would be a long haul from NM have always wanted to hunt the Bob.  Better do it soon

[mathisde2^]

I have been in the Gila and the Frank Church. They are fantastic areas but the Bob appears to take wilderness to the next level.