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    Mule deer outfitter advice - Montana

    Here's some scary math from FWP's own harvest & population numbers: Total 2018 Mule Deer Population: 334,965 Total 2018 Mule Deer Buck Population (I'll assume 20 bucks per 100 does, which is likely generous): 55,828 2017 Mule Deer Buck Harvest (not including whitetails): 42,851 Montana's...
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    Mule deer outfitter advice - Montana

    It would depend on your definition of "mature". If your looking for a 130" 4 point, then that's achievable on your own in Eastern MT. Anything over 160" is a pretty much a giant on public land. General season during the whole month of November = young bucks. FWP "manages" for a complete and...
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    BHA Corporate Sponsors

    Rightly or wrongly, BHA (and their top leadership) has a reputation for being a liberal leaning organization. So there’s likely some companies that choose not to get in that game and support neutral organizations or ones that align with their values; it’s their money after all. On a personal...
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    Montana Hunting District 417

    There's a fair amount of deer there, but it gets a fair amount of pressure - so expect almost all the bucks to be young. Getting off the roads helps. As for elk, I've only seen a few bulls, but nice ones. The cows pretty much head to private. Bring chains.
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    Picking a camping spot

    Also consider the prevailing wind (usually from the west). I try to find spots tucked in behind a ridge or bottom. Nice to have some trees for shade and hanging meat. Nice to have some sun on the camp when it’s cold as well. Also consider road conditions if it snows or rains for getting out...
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    Montana Region 7

    Depends on what your looking for. If you’d be happy seeing and shooting a 20 inch 4 point (140ish) come and hunt. If your only looking for an older buck (160+), pretty slim pickings on public. This will probably not change until FWP stops the general season going into late Nov., which ain’t...
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    Montana Unlimited

    I just got back after 5 days up there. Finally saw some sheep (1 banana horn ram) after a couple years at it (the weather last year was limiting). I think I'm finally figuring out the type of terrain and vegetation the sheep prefer - not mountain goat country. If your coming from back east, this...
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    E-Scouting fundamentals for mule deer?

    Don't discount 2nd season - I've had good luck hunting it and you get to hunt good units more often; your basically getting first chance at the bucks. Everything depends on weather; if there's little snow, I'd focus on the 9,000 - 10,500 elevation, basically pine to aspen transition. If there's...
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    Tape a barrel to keep out moisture?

    I believe that the volume of air in the barrel breaks the tape before the bullet exits. I just use electrical tape - never had a problem with accuracy
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    non native big game species

    I'm usually against introducing non-natives. But, those Ibex in NM are some cool animals, and they seem hardy. With our bighorn sheep herds struggling near domestics - I would not be opposed to introducing these in other ranges w/o bighorns. The oryx also seem to fill a niche that we don't have...
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    Rest Days Question

    Thanks for chiming in - I'll go to 2 days rest.
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    Rest Days Question

    As the season nears, I find it tough to take days off from cardio - I always take a few days off before the start of a hunt, & I stop lifting weights on my legs a few weeks out. For you fitness gurus, am I actually hindering myself by not taking days off? If so, how many days a week should my...
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    Dall Sheep - Why so Expensive?

    I guess it comes down to priorities. $21K (after tipping, airfare, taxidermy) put into a mutual fund could mean retiring 1-2 years early, sending your kids to better school, or buying 4-5 good landowner tags in CO. Maybe one day... cause it's something I'd really like to experience.
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    Dall Sheep - Why so Expensive?

    Could the "guide annoyance fee" have anything to do with most hunters not being able to afford/justify the cost until they are dam near 60 years old?
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    Dall Sheep - Why so Expensive?

    Thanks for the replies, though the supply & demand theory is perplexing. I would think that there is plenty of folks out there that would jump at starting a dall sheep outfit - likely at a reduced rate to get their reputation established. Is there an outfitter permit cap that limits the supply...
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    Dall Sheep - Why so Expensive?

    Can someone explain why Dall Sheep hunts cost $17K plus, even in the units where it's walk in? I realize sheep guides are probably the most experienced/well paid, insurance, charter costs (~$2K) and show/advertising costs....I'm just not seeing the math still, as most of the tags are OTC in AK...
    • COSA
    • Thread
    • Replies: 110
    • Forum: Sheep
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    Montana Unlimited

    Done it a few times. It is not an "enjoyable" hunt, especially with the early snow storms the past couple of years. Access in most units is not like you're high county mule deer hunts in WY or CO. No trails, deadfall, boulders, cliffs, dog hair regrowth from old fires, terrain too treacherous to...
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    Advice for First-Time MT Hunter

    If your planning on hunting mule deer with your combo license, I'm pretty sure 391 & 392 are not general areas for mule deer. They are unlimited permit draw, which you would have had to apply by March 15th. Good luck on your hunt.
    • COSA
    • Post #8
    • Forum: Elk
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    Mid-Asian Ibex Outfitter Recommendations

    Starting to research an outfitter for Kyrgyzstan or possibly Tajikistan in 2019. Would appreciate feedback from anyone whose done one of these hunts. Also would really appreciate what outfits/booking companies to avoid. Please PM if you don't feel comfortable posting negative feedback on the...
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    Join the BHA?

    Being that I work in the mining industry, I cannot support BHA as they seem to come out against all mining, even responsible mines in low risk areas (and I do believe there are many areas that should not be mined). They use the same playbook as other extreme environmental groups by cherry...

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