Cabinet Mountains Elk

[chaza402]

A buddy and I are trying to decide on an a semi guided hunt in MT. I have found an outfit outside of Libby- Silverbow Outfitters. I was wondering what folks think about the Cabinets?
I understand they are rugged, I religiously hunt the San Juan’s so rugged is what I am used to.
Ive read there are high numbers of predators and very low numbers of elk. Is it worth pursuing a hunt here?

 

[Wapititalk1]

I grew up and spend much of my young adult life in that area. By that area, I mean Libby, Troy, Plains, Thompson Falls, Kalispell, Whitefish, Missoula, etc. Pop was a logger and we moved where the work was, seemed like every 1-2 years. Enough of that. NW Montana used to have decent elk hunting (used to). Are there still elk there? Of course there are but nothing like it used to be before the wolf intro. The mule deer population has really been hit hard there also. If you're dead set on Montana, I would sure look more at the Southwest part of the state. Good luck whatever you decide.

 

[Indian Summer]

Personally I’d look somewhere else. Not only are the elk numbers way down but it’s tough to hunt. No open country at all. You either kill an elk or you don’t see one at all. I have talked to lots of guys who said yeah I killed an elk but it was the only one I saw and I didn’t see it until it was 20 yards away. I used to hunt up there. Killed my first bull up in that area. But we walked away for greener pastures a long time ago and it’s gotten worse since then.

 

[chaza402]

Pretty much what I was figuring after digging deep into the dregs of the internet. My buddy is turning 40 and he is wanting a fun hunt that is semi guided or drop camped with some action. We aren’t to dead set on MT but it seems like a good option considering he has 0 pts for western states.
If y’all know any good outfitters/packers please feel free to PM me.

 

[Huntnnw]

If I were hiring a packer Id be looking at another area

 

[chaza402]

Yep- we are shifting towards other parts of the state. These tips have been helpful.
Thanks

 

[Ross]

All the advise and info given is totally accurate....I hunted this country for 20 yrs killed some great deer and elk.....prior to wolves the country was difficult enough now with declined populations it is extremely difficult....I have an outfitter I can recommend who bought one of the businesses last year....they killed some very nice elk and deer and he will walk you into the dirt to help you fill your tags, and you would remember the journey knowing when you hunt other places it will be easy

 

[adamsls1809]

going to this area this fall for mule deer

Going w buddy and his cousins. My buddy and I are from Ohio. Have some apprehensions with griz and deer # in this area. Anybody with some experience this past year. Weather, camping, snow, griz?

 

[Huntnnw]

could be cold and dumping snow, could be grizzlies around.

 

[Indian Summer]

going to this area this fall for mule deer

Going w buddy and his cousins. My buddy and I are from Ohio. Have some apprehensions with griz and deer # in this area. Anybody with some experience this past year. Weather, camping, snow, griz?

Good luck. You’ll need it. Just like the elk up there, and the Whitetail even, there were always great quality, mature bulls and bucks. But the numbers were never very high. It’s not great habitat up there. Very thick. Not a lot of open areas or an abundance of feed for wintering. A very common statement from people who hunt up there is yes I killed what I was looking for, but it was the only one I saw.


Try up Galena Creek. That would always run the better areas for both mules and Whitetail. But even in the glory days, you could go out hunting for days and not see a deer.

 

[mtnbound]

With you looking to use an outfitter call them and ask about their success rate and ask for references from past clients.


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