Gran Canaria = Montana Elk hunt

[devon deer stalker]

That worked well, just got back from a very hot Gran Canaria, had to be done, part of my deal with the wife, take her on hols to somewhere hot for a week of R&R and i get to go back to Montana later this year to try again for an Elk.

It actually wasn't too bad, but my ears pricked up when i heard there was archery and rifle shooting as an activity!
I dropped by for the archery, 15 yard target, and won the competition, i was informed the unhappy German couple had not been unbeaten in 3 months, yes 3 months staying in the same hotel!
Next day rifle shooting, as expected it was with .177 air rifles, same result, i creamed it, unhappy German!
So i thought i would get the wife involved, the only other female was the Germans wife, a quick bit of tuition and i couldn't believe it, my wife beat her, the German threw her scorecard in the bin in disgust, mumbled something and stormed off, are all Germans poor sports?
I did feel a little sorry for the guy as when he was about to take a shot a very lively Italian 'coughed' on purpose which all added to the fun.
And why do they reserve sun beds with towels at dawn when there are plenty to go around?
An eye opener for me!

Now the planning starts, what part of Montana to hunt? I have my eye on area near the Idaho border so i can nip across and try for a Steelhead as that is also on my fishing bucket list.

Can't wait!

Cheers

Richard

 

[tozzybum]

yes germans are **** poor losers ,especially to us brits .having lived in 3 different german towns during my time in the green job.they like a drink n a joke as we do but we are not allowed to beat them or u vill be shot tommy.games nights against german police n workshop mechanics created much bad blood if/when they lost at any game.so well done keep up the good work

 

[KBar1970]

Good man DDS!! Wins all round; keeping the British End Up as well as ensuring your 'pink chit' to go to MT for a crack at the Wapiti.

Which season and which GMU you are planning on hunting will take some working out, as will the application process (Preference Points etc) I take it that rifle will your preferred 'method of take'?

I strongly recommoned you visit the Extreme Elk forum www.elk101.com An excellent source of information for both rifle- and b*w-hunters

 

[deerpath]

You should have hummed the Dambusters tune !

 

[Ratten]

but remember....leave the drone at home (ok, it's Alaska, but you get the idea!)
Alaska bans hunting with drones after moose shooting - Telegraph

 

[yagovomaltmoor]

Are you planning on a guided elk hunt or DIY? Where in Montana?

The application period for Elk Combination General and Permits passed on March 15. Elk B drawing still available.

If the drawing is like the last 2 years then there will be left-over licenses to purchase.

**Edit: forgot that you are a non-resident so removed OTC

 

[fairacre]

Hi Rich
If you want me to ask my mate who lives in Idaho Falls on tips where to hunt/fish, just give me a shout.
Been thinking about a summer Pronghorn trip for myself in the next few years.
ATB
R

 

[devon deer stalker]

I strongly recommoned you visit the Extreme Elk forum www.elk101.com An excellent source of information for both rifle- and b*w-hunters

Thanks, already bookmarked that site.

You should have hummed the Dambusters tune !

I did think of doing Basil Fawlty sketch but thought better of it!

Are you planning on a guided elk hunt or DIY? Where in Montana?

The application period for Elk Combination General and Permits passed on March 15. Elk B drawing still available.

If the drawing is like the last 2 years then there will be left-over licenses to purchase.

Applied on the 14th March for deer/elk NR big game combo, taking my rifle over.

Hi Rich
If you want me to ask my mate who lives in Idaho Falls on tips where to hunt/fish, just give me a shout.
Been thinking about a summer Pronghorn trip for myself in the next few years.
ATB
R

You have a pm.

Cheers

Richard

 

[KBar1970]

Do you have a GMU/GMUs in mind? The further you can get from the madding crowds (especially during rifle season) the more likely your chances; so far I have gleaned the following pointers:
1) Ring biologists and US Forest Service staff for the Unit/Units you are looking on hunting and ask questions about elk numbers, distribution, etc
2) Use Google Earth to establish;
Areas at least 1.5 miles from the nearest tarred road
North facing slopes (perfect for elk bedding during the warmest part of the day)
Water and food sources close to said north-facing slope
3) Get in shape. REALLY good shape
Best of luck and good hunting!!

 

[devon deer stalker]

Do you have a GMU/GMUs in mind? The further you can get from the madding crowds (especially during rifle season) the more likely your chances; so far I have gleaned the following pointers:
1) Ring biologists and US Forest Service staff for the Unit/Units you are looking on hunting and ask questions about elk numbers, distribution, etc
2) Use Google Earth to establish;
Areas at least 1.5 miles from the nearest tarred road
North facing slopes (perfect for elk bedding during the warmest part of the day)
Water and food sources close to said north-facing slope
3) Get in shape. REALLY good shape
Best of luck and good hunting!!

Yep you are spot on with that advice, which is what i did when i tried in 2012, better luck this time i hope.
Cheers
Richard

 

[paul o']

Yes they are the worst having lost more twice and been beaten by the lesser spotted englishman/woman, there only defence is to use the old towel trick to cover the shame of it ! i also have a towel trick on my hols its called lets see how close to the middle of the pool i can get the TOWELS !!! .
When serving we called it the yack trail as the lads and i would use the towels to chuck up on (sorry) but very nice of them to think of us under the weather chaps coming home .
well done carry on

 

[yagovomaltmoor]

Northeastern Montana's deer population has been hit hard the last few years by disease and hard winters. I think region 6 is buck only this year. Not an elk population in that area of the state so you probably aren't headed that way.

You might also look at Block Management Areas for the region you plan to hunt. These can be very productive. There are two types of BMA so worth reading up on the rules on the FWP website.

Also highly recommend buying a map of Montana for your GPS. This company has detailed boundaries of state, federal and BMA lands plus private Plats ownership info: Hunting GPS Maps - Public/Private Land Ownership names for your GPS

 

[devon deer stalker]

Northeastern Montana's deer population has been hit hard the last few years by disease and hard winters. I think region 6 is buck only this year. Not an elk population in that area of the state so you probably aren't headed that way.

You might also look at Block Management Areas for the region you plan to hunt. These can be very productive. There are two types of BMA so worth reading up on the rules on the FWP website.

Also highly recommend buying a map of Montana for your GPS. This company has detailed boundaries of state, federal and BMA lands plus private Plats ownership info: Hunting GPS Maps - Public/Private Land Ownership names for your GPS

Elk are the number one priority this time, i got a Mule Buck in a BMA area last time i went over. I only have a basic GPS but if i get some spare cash i will buy one for this trip and download the maps. Yes the deer in the East have been hit hard and only buck's can be hunted.
I will be hunting region 3 for Elk.
Cheers
Richard

 

[devon deer stalker]

Well it was drawn today and i got my tag, so i will be going back to Montana in October this year on my own.
Now the planning starts, order some maps, google earth and start to get fitter, a lot fitter!
Starting tomorrow, going to put some 165 grain 30-06 bullets down the range.
Active Items Held for 2014 License Year
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Cheers
Richard

 

[KBar1970]

Proper job!! Best of luck and good hunting...not too long til October

Region 3 is a big place...

http://fwp.mt.gov/gis/maps/huntPlanner/?region=3&species=elk