Little Belts vs Pioneers

[Artemis]

I drew MT general tag (Bowhunter) and scouted the little belts back in July. I also scouted the pioneers but not as much as the little belts. I’m thinking about pioneers as plan B if the little belts are too crowded but less familiar with pioneers. Could anyone familiar with both speak to differences in terrain, elk densities, crowds and access? My buddy just broke his foot so I’m solo.



Thank you

 

[mTNhunter86]

Two plans is never a bad idea. Also, the Belts will be crowded.

 

[yoopshoot]

I sent PM


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[neandth]

To many open atv and dirt bike trails to truly get away from people.Is what we found when we tried the belts. Now i hunt where Mixedbag hunts.

 

[TradLife406]

I'm from Great Falls. Never hunted the belts because I figured they were crowded. A buddy used to hunt it about 20 years ago and had a lot of luck with giant bulls. But that's before we had the increase in non resident hunters and before the griz moved in.

But honestly though with the push to come to Montana to hunt every general unit is packed and the hunting just gets worse.
I had a really great spot that was loaded with elk and big bulls. Then a couple years ago for whatever reason the elk didn't go up high to summer.

That year too there was way more pressure than ever. Found Midwesties spiked out in elk sanctuary and or transition areas.

I'd suggest Arizona or New Mexico. Big bulls, no griz and wolves either.

 

[The Guide]

That year too there was way more pressure than ever. Found Midwesties spiked out in elk sanctuary and or transition areas.

More frequently than ever I've been patterning animals for the weeks leading up to the General Season opener and even seen the target animal the evening before the opener only to show up the next morning ready to hunt and find a camp right where the animals were crossing or feeding. People show up in the dark without scouting and just pick a spot on OnX and make camp. It just makes me shake my head. I have plenty of spots to go even in the same areas but many people are oblivious of their short comings when it comes to blowing game out of the area.

Jay