Elk hunting via boat?

[Herbie03]

I drew the breaks this yr, 620-21. My research has led me to believe that hunting from, or using a boat to travel is a viable option. I've looked for rentals in the Malta, MT area and surrounding, but haven't had much success. Now I'm looking at buying or renting and trailering a RIB or similar to MT, (i'm in StL, MO)
I'm really interested in the trolling/electric outboard options but don't know much about those, or boats in general. I have an old boat similar to (photo) that I could use, but the idea of a RIB is attractive. There's a lot of info on trolling motors around but my knowledge is limited. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[ElkArcher918]

I drew the breaks this yr, 620-21. My research has led me to believe that hunting from, or using a boat to travel is a viable option. I've looked for rentals in the Malta, MT area and surrounding, but haven't had much success. Now I'm looking at buying or renting and trailering a RIB or similar to MT, (i'm in StL, MO)
I'm really interested in the trolling/electric outboard options but don't know much about those, or boats in general. I have an old boat similar to (photo) that I could use, but the idea of a RIB is attractive. There's a lot of info on trolling motors around but my knowledge is limited. Any help is greatly appreciated.View attachment 758683

Check out some of Randy Newberg and crew U-tube videos deer hunting the Montana Breaks. Pretty cool and you can cover some water/ground with a boat. Maybe a retailer can drop ship you a boat at a nearby town several days before the hunt and you can rig it up as you see fit. Where there's a will, there's a way. Contact Randy and crew via social media maybe they can give some advice. Enjoy the adventure.

 

[Riplip]

Boats can work but there are a lot of hunters doing the same thing in the breaks so keep your expectations realistic in terms of what you are accessing. Also do not underestimate the water around there as it can get very dangerous very quickly if the wind comes up or a storm comes through. We were in a fairly large aluminum boat with an outboard and had a very sketchy crossing in the dark during a windstorm. Be prepared.

 

[dtrkyman]

No way I would run that reservoir with electric!

 

[IdahoElk]

I drew the breaks this yr, 620-21. My research has led me to believe that hunting from, or using a boat to travel is a viable option. I've looked for rentals in the Malta, MT area and surrounding, but haven't had much success. Now I'm looking at buying or renting and trailering a RIB or similar to MT, (i'm in StL, MO)
I'm really interested in the trolling/electric outboard options but don't know much about those, or boats in general. I have an old boat similar to (photo) that I could use, but the idea of a RIB is attractive. There's a lot of info on trolling motors around but my knowledge is limited. Any help is greatly appreciated.View attachment 758683

I just purchased a Newport 55lb. thrust motor for my 12' row boat, I have always used Minn kotas on my bigger boat but the price point and good reviews thought I'd give it a try, for a little over $200 delivered I'm more than happy, pushes the boat pretty good and seems better on battery drain than the Minn Kota.

 

[Marshfly]

Get that boat in the image you posted totally out of your brain. Don't even consider something like that for what you are wanting to do.

That said, I hear of success that comes with a boat for that area, but it's a 16-18ft one with a real outboard.

 

[ScreamingPotato]

I don't know anything about your specific scenario but we got guys down here that paddle miles into the Gulf fishing oil rigs with kayaks. You'd be amazed how quickly you can cover ground in one of the peddling Hobie kayaks. I met one of my hunting buddies years ago when I saw him paddling a regular kayak up to the boat launch with a Mouflon draped over the front of it, told my BIL we gotta go meet that guy lol.

 

[MTJake]

The Missouri is no joke. Storms and wind can make for dangerous water. A pond fishing boat with a trolling motor is a good way to get into trouble fast.

 

[Herbie03]

I don't know anything about your specific scenario but we got guys down here that paddle miles into the Gulf fishing oil rigs with kayaks. You'd be amazed how quickly you can cover ground in one of the peddling Hobie kayaks. I met one of my hunting buddies years ago when I saw him paddling a regular kayak up to the boat launch with a Mouflon draped over the front of it, told my BIL we gotta go meet that guy lol.

I've been checking these out since I read your post. They're amazing!

 

[Geewhiz]

I say not a good idea unless you have a substantial boat, not a raft or a little skiff.

 

[Seeknelk]

If your talking fort peck reservoir, be advised its a giant body of water. And the wind blows up mid day at least, on just a normal nice day. My buddy nearly swamped in an 18' covered bow boat. Running the river is a bit different but it's dark water/bottom that's hard to read with plenty of sharp rocks and the wind can be crazy on the river too. And that makes reading the water at high speed a real white knuckler.
Also be aware that some or all of the designated wilderness areas on fort peck, don't allow you to beach a boat on the shore for motorized access! Too many ignore or are ignorant of the rules on that.