montana elk population

[GSPhunter]

G'day again guys,
If you missed my first post in he archery section I'm a 24 year old aussie that's planning on coming over to Montana in 2017 for a diy public land elk hunt.

I've heard varying things about it and I understand it's a contentious topic but I was just interested to hear from anyone intimate with montana's elk on their observed population trends and the impact that wolves are having on them?

I've got plenty more researching to do before I settle on somewhere but I'm thinking of taking on the belt mountains for my hunt in '17.

Is it really as bad as the hype or has their decline been over exaggerated? 

Thank you,

Gsp

 

[cowboystl1]

cant say for Montana but right across the border in Idaho had a major impact !

 

[turbo1967]

the belts depending on what side, the little belts or the big belts , the big belts have had almost no effect from wolves , there have only been a few on the far north end and rumor is they are not there any more the last wolf i saw in that are was in 1986.  , however that is the most heavily hunted area for elk in the state last report I heard , Ive been hunting it for 36 years and I do fine, but I know that area better than almost any body.  Its rare to see a mature bull there most are  taken at  2 1/2 years old . the little belts is more private land and very little access to hunt it unless you hire a guide.  Some districts in the state have had major decline in population so defiantly do your research, also keep in mind what class of bull you are looking for , that can play a big factor on what area you chose.

 

[TooLucky406]

The farther east you hunt, the wolf population decrease, but so does public land. Wolf have done a major hurting on elk population, particularly where Montana is adjacent to Idaho. That being said, you can still kill a mature bull, but your calling, stealthiness, and patience need to be on its A+ game. Best of luck!