Proper technique
 

Hello Everyone. This is my first post and I look forward to getting to know everyone.

We recently moved from CA to Montana. It has literally been since I was a young teen the last time I hunted for anything above bird size. I am really wanting to get into hunting now that we live in a place where it appears the deer/elk/big game are plentiful. Which brings me to my question.

What would you all say is the best way to hunt big game? What I mean is, Ihave known some that prefer to sit in one spot and wait, others like to get out and move constantly, others road hunt in vehicles or other road hunt from ATV's and such.

Having never harvested an animal, I want to increase my chances of getting something and therefore would love to hear your opinions.

Also, any other information you might share such as is it better to work the ridge tops, or ravines, morning or evening and information like that. I know some of these questions are subjective, in fact, probably all of them are, but I'm looking again at percentages more than anything.

Thank you all for your time in helping a newbie big game hunter out. I would also just like to publically thank Montana Bob for also sharing several things with me through PM already. Thank you Bob.

RE: Proper technique
 

Check out HNI's (Hunting.Net's) big game section, they only have info on elk there, (even though they claim to have "the most comprehensive database on mule deer hunting, bear, moose,antelope, safari, and they don't even have those sections up or running!) I have checked out the elk hunting section (not in the forums, on HNI remember?) and I thought that they had quite a bit of cool info there.

There is a large whitetail hunting section, and it may give you some info that'll help you when hunting mule deer. I don't know if they have any whitetails in Montana or not.

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Since you've been in Cal, I'd probably suggest you start with re-aquainting yourself with which end of the gun to hold! (lol) Sorry . . . couldn't resist.

Seriously, read every word on this fellows site:
http://members.tripod.com/~elkhunter2/index.html

It will get you started in all the good directions. Very helpful site. And just a lot of good info.

Enjoy Montana and all the outdoors!

RE: Proper technique
 

i do a few different things, i do a lot of road hunting, thats how i got my last 4 moose actually by that way, but usually i road hunt for thr first little bit of hunting season to do some exploring (and also you can cover a lot of ground in a day) but as the season goes on i change and do aalot of sitting in one spot because with the prior road hunting i scope out nice little spots where the game comes through. anyways this is what i usually do.

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RE: Proper technique
 

Thanks to everyone for their wonderful advice.

To answer the question of what I'll be hunting, mainly Elk and Whitetale.

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I would suggest finding a hunting friend. I also would get a GPS, WalMart is fine, and use it.Unless you ever spent a cold night in the woods waiting to be rescued you should trust me on this.

The smallest rifle I would buy is a .270 and bigger if in Griz Country. Get online and study because the rules change by where you are at. I find the most effective way is to find a good spot, meaning you know game is there,park and walk in. Do you know how to field gut an animal?

I suggest you take the Hunter Safety Course. Good hunting. MV out!

http://fwp.mt.gov/default.html

RE: Proper technique
 

MV, Thanks for the great advice.

First on the GPS unit, believe me, I really want one. I will have to wait a bit because of budget, but I will have one before next season for sure.

I do go with my Father so I don't have to worry about being out there by myself.

I have a Remington 710 30-06 so my caliber should be fine for what I'm hunting.

I have studied the 2006 regulations in detail and try to continue checking up on them often to make sure I didn't forget anything or read past anything.

My father and I have walked many miles this season already. We generally don't drive in anywhere to close to where we want to hunt....it's just finding the game which seems to be the problem.

Field gutting an animal is something I "know" how to do. I put the quotes around know because when you haven't done something, it makes it difficult to really know. I've done a lot of research, watched DVD's on field dressing big game and so forth but like anything, until you really do it, you won't know for sure.

I took a hunter safety course when I was about 12. I've been in the woods all my life and know how to deal with the outdoors and proper safety as well as ethical hunting practices.

It's just been quite a few years and was looking for some tips on how to maximize my chances at harvesting an animal in a totally new area.

Thanks again to all for some very wonderful advice. Please keep it coming if you can.

RE: Proper technique
 

definately, a gps will offer security, but also take and be TOTALLY prepared to navigate with maps and compass if need to b/c electronic things can break. For a great little GPS however, look at the etrex. You can pick one up for right around $100 and they are super easy (as opposed to some others) to learn and use.

Finding a good hunting partner(s) is worth gold. Also knowing what to pack (even in a daypack) and what not will also add to your feeling of security, thus giving you the confidence to hunt where you need to.

RE: Proper technique
 

Montana Bob, you been Pming the Kalifornian? [:o]

RE: Proper technique
 

Maps, get maps. You can buy them at the US Forest Service office. The BLM maps are good for the rest of the state. Find a few areas and study them.

You never said what part of Montana you live in.

Buy the Etrex GPS at WalMart. The lower price one will do fine and is easier to use.

Sight your rifle in and practice out to 300 yards. Get your bullet drop and tape it in your flip up caps with scotch tape. You can use this program to help you: http://www.realguns.com/miscinfo/join.htm

Get the best optics you can afford. This will help you identify your animal before you shoot.

The big elk herds are Yellowstone area, Bitterroot Valley, Lincoln, and Sun River River Valley. Most are on private land. A savvy hunter can skirt the property boundary, but do not break the rules, even for a lifetime dream elk. The fines are high.

Forsome reason the deer disappear during the rut week. The week before and after you see them everywhere. They are still there, just a mile or so from the road. Find them. The does will lead the sex starved bucks away and block your shot with their bodies.

Make a drag rope for retrieving game. Your wife's dishwasher gloves are great when gutting, field dressing your deer. Make sure you get the A-hole out. You will need a small saw for the pelvic bone and don't bust the bladder.

A small back pack with the new Camel-back type water systems are handy. I started eating the modern day MRE's while hunting. They are not bad and easy to carry.

Always carry lightweight things like a small tarp, fire starting stuff, candle, flashlight (a blue lens will help you track blood after dark), and whatever else will help you make it through a cold night lost in the woods. It has to be light or you will not carry it.

Always, always leave the area you are hunting in with someone at home and when they should think about calling for help. If you might go to multiple areas, list them all in order and do not deviate without telling someone.

And last, never tell anyone in Montana you are from California, especially if you are seeking permission to hunt on private land. Just trust me on this.

I hope this helps. MV out!

RE: Proper technique
 

Out of all of your advice, this is probably the best I have recieved!! LOL[8D]

I really stinks actually. You can't help where you were born, but my heart has been in Montana most of my life. I've hated Kalifornia ALL of my life. It's nice to be able to let my kids play outside without having to worry too much about them. My kids are thriving in school and are as happy as they have ever been. That, in and of itself, is worth everything to me.

Hopefully I won't be TOO hated being born where I was but it's one thing that I simply can't control. I would like to think I can still make some good friends and hunting buddies but I know my Dad is as good a one as any.

Anyway, thanks for helping me out and some very wonderful advice.

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Oh yeah, and I'm located in the Bitterroot Valley as far as location goes.

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I like the link to that site! Thanks.

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Well thats just great, another Kalifornian comming to the 'root and crawling into the mountains to get stuck, scare deer, bugle elk, vote liberal, build fences, increase property values, invade spaces, drink latte, clog up the road, lease land, wear sandals, ride bikes, view art, and make a general PITA out of themselves.[:@]

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See what I mean?At least you were smart enough to leave CA and move to the Bitterroot. It will be 20 years before you are partially accepted. :) MV out!

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don't let what muley says worry you. He's imported himself:D:D not from kook-land though:D


I like that signature line MontanaVet "............and when we had thought about it long enough, we declared war on the union:D"

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Wear blaze orange and if you hunt from a stand wear a safety harness.

Sometimes it only takes one mistake!

RE: Proper technique
 

Well let's see here.....I've never been stuck in the mountains....haven't scared any deer....never bugled an elk...I CERTAINLYwouldn't vote liberal, the fence on my property was already here, property values are going up everywhere, don't want to invade anyones spaces, never had a latte in my life, I hate traffic, never leased anything, don't care for sandals, the only bike I ride is my quad, don't know if you consider guns and ammo magazine art but if so...ok...and I'm not sure what to make out of the pita comment so I'll just leave that one alone.

Other than that...it's good to know you don't have a problem with me.

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Well hell pastor, your one of us, why didn't you just say so at the biginning so I didn't have to jump to conclusions. BTW, I am not an import, I wasn't raised here but I was born a Montanan, and I'll die a Montanan, no matter where I might be.

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Pastor Steve,
I wanna say that was the most noble way of answering a post like that.Me for one would like to welcome you to Montana.If you ever get to my side of the state when you are a leagle resident I will take ya out and show you the ropes,heck even ask Hillbilly. I spent several cold November Mornings in a 3 season tent tring to get him a bull in the breaks a few years back,we never got the bull saw a few,packed out his nice mulie buck,tried to cut my finger off and made a good freind.
Here's a few guide lines in Montana
1.Never mention California(say anything but that);)
2.Always ask permission even if you have know the guy for years
3.Close all gates or leave'em like you found'em
4.Park the quad and walk
5.Get out and get some scouting done
6.If the roads wet don't drive it
and the last one for all,when you crap in the woods remove your bow release befor wipe'n your arse.;)
Bareback Jack

RE: Proper technique
 

BarebackJack,

First off, just wanted to say Thank you for the warm welcome. And I guarantee if I'm on that side of the state, I'll take you up on your invitation.

And I actually am a legal resident. My wife and kids and I moved here last December (I know, heck of a time to move a thousand miles). So I have a legal liscense and tags. Just looking for the deer/elk.

And thanks for all the tips...especially that last one..I actually laughed out loud at that one.

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Ok my 2 cents.
I feel muley's frustration. So many before you Pastorsteve have come here to Montana because it is different and more laid back than where they come from.
Then it seems the first thing they do is try and change it to the exact place they came from.
I am a transplant been here 22 years. The changes I have seen are incredible and frustrating.When I moved here I fit in well with the natives and just sat and watched the changes before me.
People moving in on a 1 acre lot not an animal or tree in site, in the middle of nowhere,then painting every fence post bright orange. To me and others it just shines of ignorance.
9 out of 10 of the SUV's you see in the winter in the ditch have a nice CA plate or temp sticker in the window.
This people you see that come into Montana are like a prisoner let loose after serving 10 years, bull in a china shop thing. They take advantage of the laid back lifestyle here.Mostly it's the Kalifornians you see.
It used to piss me off till I realized there is nothing I can do and now look forward to having them come in and driving my home and property price to a ridiculously high value.
So pastorsteve welcome, change the plates on your ride and sit back, grab some popcorn and watch the sad picture show that has beenplaying for years.Don't forget your hanky as it is a crying shame.:(

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Wow Bob...I hear you. And I'm sure sorry and saddned by the state of events that have transpired here. I know it's probably hard to believe but we kept a lot of those things in mind when we moved here.

We moved into a home that was already built (instead of buying up more land and building a new home when there were litterally hundreds of homes for sale). We didn't want to make a bigger foot print than we had to.

We completely support and have supported keeping the big boxes out of the valley at all costs.

Believe me when I tell you that I DO NOT want things like they were where I came from. We lived on the corner of a 5 lane road where there was traffic 24/7. My kids were home bodies primarily because they couldn't go out and play anywhere safely. Not a good environment at all.

We have been here for almost a year and have been saddened many times by watching the very thing you speak of. I know it is somewhat hypocritical for me to oppose the very thing I did in moving here, but again, it wouldn't bother me if they bought homes that were already here, fought to keep things the way they are as much as possible. It bothers me as well.

If there is anything I can do that I do not know about as far as either petitions, ballot initiatives or anything else, feel free to educate me, I would love to help.

Take care Bob.

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Pastor Steve,
Let's put all the political BS behind us.How has the hunting been?? Any Luck yet deer/elk and sightings??
I was born in Missoula many years ago,my dad is from that side of the state.Don't know any honey holes,but if you got snow then you can track.Elk this time of year are looking to migrate somewhere for food.So get a map and see if you have any game preserves near by(I don't think you do).The closest one I know of is probaly the Clear water WMA wich is a permit area I belive,but the surrounding area is Nat'l Forest.I used to hunt up behind a place called Cozy Korner over behind Seeley.There is elk in there and lots of mulie and white-tail check the regs for whats leagle and area's as time has changed.You also have the Lee Metcalfe WMA look it up and see if it's open to hunting.There is plenty of hunting up past Grantsdale.Look for long draniges with food,cover and water.Hunt north slope in the morrning and evening.On cold days glass the sunny side up to the tree line,it's not uncommon to catch a big mulie buck sunning him self with the does.The rut is comming and some area's shut down for Mulie bucks,but any place with water or thick cover holds white-tails.Find the does and you will find your bucks.
I know there are Forest service roads out there,get up early and drive them,follow the locals,get out and burn some shoe leather.If you cut any tracks get your nose out and follow,if they are elk follow till they start wavering back and forth keep you eyes peeled cause you are closing in.Elk like to get a little up on theur trail and look back.You can also set-up in saddles and ambush elk as the get pushed up from draniges.Go to sporting good stores,listen to someone bragging might get a idea where to look.Even make up a story just toget someone talking,ask the guys on the counter if they hunt.
Just some tips
BBJ

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Hey Jack,

Well, so far we've seen a bunch of mulies but in the district we are hunting in right now they are special permit only so we are looking over the 06 regs and it appears that there are a few districts that allow for mulie bucks that we might go to. Quite a bit farther away but so what. And my Dad and I have walked mile after mile on back roads looking for sign or anthing else. Bob has pointed us in a direction as well we just haven't been in the right place at the right timeunfortunately.

Anyway, we are going to keep at it and do what we can to get something this season.

Thanks for the tips.