Re: Best/Most Remote Place to Fill Cow Elk Tag Around Missoula, MT

[JJB2]

I work for a company headquartered in Missoula and I'm going to bowhunt out there on an OTC Elk B Cow License this fall. The license is valid in HDs 260, 283, 290, 292, 298 and portions of HDs 201 and 203. I'm going to go one of the first 3 weeks of September and would like some advice as to the when and where from all of you knowledgable MT residents.

My preference is always to hunt designated wilderness areas to get away from the crowd.  I'm in good shape and have no issue carrying a heavy pack in a good distance and hunting from my pack for 7+ days solo.  Plus, I like the challenge of hunting alone, in deep.

I tried this same hunt last year as a last minute deal when I was scheduled out there for work in late summer.  I didn't have time to plan and ended up hunting on recos from co-workers pretty close to town - saw some elk but there were too many forest service roads and road hunters for my taste.

I know the rattlesnake falls within unit 283 and it's walk/bike/horseback only so that seems like a good place to start, but the advice I've gotten elsewhere has been hit and miss.

My #1 priority is to fill the cow tag.  I can camp in solitide anytime and I want to fill the freezer.

What's my best bet guys?

Thanks in advance!

[JJB2]

ttt

[JJB2]

ttt

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

I am from that area, and I know several other guys on Trad Gang live in Missoula. I am not at home right now, so this is all off the top of my head. The rattlesnake sounds like the place for you. You can get back 20 miles if you wish. The first 7-8 miles get traveled pretty hard by the bikers and other outdoor enthusiasts from Missoula. There are a lot of animals in that drainage. Be aware that there are black bears which will happily wreck your camp if you don't keep it clean, and the mountain lion population is thick in that area. I hunt an area that is just on the edge of the Rattlesnake drainage and really like the look of the upper half of the drainage. Having a week to hunt should help a lot. (we tend to see/hear most elk on the upper third of ridges. This could be an issue if you go up the bottom of the drainage because it is a killer hike to get up to the elk if they aren't down low)

Feel free to PM me if you have further questions

[Hess]

I live up towards the top of the Rattlesnake and you'll be hardpressed to find a much better spot to hunt elk.  You might not find a bunch of big bulls, but there a lot of them (cows too obviously).  I've been watching them (several groups from 30-60 head) out the window of my home for the last 4 months and I can easily hunt off of my mtn. bike from my house.  It's a good start in Missoula.

The only problem is the college kids that just moved here and think the only way to get them is to bugle every 3 minutes.  Too many hunting videos for them.

[JJB2]

I just want to fill my cow tag so sounds like I'd be in good shape in the Rattlesnake.  Any of you guys in the area drink Big Sky beer?  That's my employer - I'll have to buy you some beers for the advice.

[Hess]

If I could have a nickel for every Moose Drool I've drunk...well, it would be a lot of nickels.

[Elkchaser]

I drink Big Sky beer and my cousin probably fills out your paychecks. She does the books out there.

Definitely listen to Hess, as he is a hunting machine.
And I know Trumpkin knows that Rattlesnake area well.

Come on out. We'll drink a beer with you.

[JJB2]

Elkchaser, is Kim your cousin?

[Elkchaser]

Yes she is JJB2. Are you going to be out this way anytime soon. If so, give a shout or let Kim know and she can get a hold of me.

[JJB2]

Elkchaser, I sent you a PM.

Trumpkin / Hess, I'll be out in July - looking like the 7th thru the 15th.  We'll have to grab beers and/or do some shooting.

[Hess]

Look us up...it's always a good time.  Golden stones will be coming off everywhere, bring your rod.

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

Sorry to break it to you JJb2 but I am underage. I would settle for a bit of shooting and hunting talk. You guys can all drink the beer and I will press ya for hunting wisdom. We should make Elkchaser join us though, he knows more than he is letting on.

I will second Hess about the fishing that time of year...

[JJB2]

How much longer do you have Trumpkin?

I'll definitely bring some fishing gear on my July trip.  I look forward to meeting you guys.

[Elkchaser]

Originally posted by Trumpkin the Dwarf:
 We should make Elkchaser join us though, he knows more than he is letting on.

...

About hunting or drinking Trumpkin?

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

Originally posted by JJB2:
How much longer do you have Trumpkin?

Two years to go.    

Ron, I will let you decide which one I meant...but your handle seems to imply a lack of killing...    

[JJB2]

Kim says both Elkchaser...