Moving To Montana

[Born2Hunt]

I am finally getting my chance to move to NW Montana and semi-retire to hunt and fish.  We will be living in Columbia Falls/Plains, MT area.  Have never elk hunted before but have harvested several whitetail, tons of wild hogs, coyotes, one mule deer and a couple antelope...with this being said I am a full blown rookie at elk hunting and would like some advice on hunting the area around Columbia Falls/Plains, MT.  If any one on here could assist in getting this rookie flat foot lined out it would be greatly appreciated.  I am really excited about finally getting to live my dream and hunt/fish the great state of Montana for the rest of my life...yeah life is good!

 

[turbo1967]

Well I would start you off with saying get a copy University of elk hunting ,it will give you a good idea of what to expect and some good pointers.Its a small investment for some good imfo.Elk hunting is like no other and is very addicting especialy if you bow hunt the rut.I have hunted Montana for 34 years but not the area your in sorry!!

 

[MT_mulies]

I think you have good hunting all around where you are at. I'm originally from SW Montana and just barely moved away. The elk hunting west of Bozeman is pretty good no matter where you go. Especially if you do a little scouting. I just moved to Northern Idaho so I'm just over the hill from you and people say the elk hunting here is good, but there are quite a few wolves. My buddy shot a 360 bull somewhere by Missoula. I think that it was up your way, but I'm not for sure. My advice is just don't get discouraged. Growing up it took me 3 years with a rifle till I got my first elk and I was pretty addicted and it took me 3 years with a bow to get my first elk and now I'm REALLy addicted. Hunt hard and get off the road.

 

[Montana_BackCountry]

Hey you're moving into a great area.  Northwest of there in the trout creek (town) area by Noxon is a nice area, however EXPANSIVE.  Definitely get out and do your scouting work.  We had a close encounter with a 325-350 class bull with a crowned 6X7 rack last year in there.  Beautiful country but it is BIG and rugged.  Also watch out for Grizzlies.  Walk softly but carry a big stick

 

[Born2Hunt]

Thanks to everyone for the advice.  I am really excited and look forward to a summer of scouting and getting some game cameras out.  I am going to try and wear out a pair of boots in the next few months

 

[turbo1967]

Just remember game cameras are not legal  in Montana during any season so make sure you get them down before opening day.