Montana 2021

[hobbes]

I found some used Sitka clothing on Craigslist last week at what I thought were good prices. I'm assuming the seller isn't on Rokslide or he'd have probably sold here, unless he didn't want to deal with shipping. It has a little wear but nothing damaging.

Kelvin Active Hoody - I think this will be useful some in archery, but I'm not completely sure. I've used vests a lot but never an insulated short sleeve. I'll have to see where this fits in.


Kelvin Puffy Pant - I'm planning to use these bowhunting from a treestand for whitetails and glassing mule deer in November.


Jetstream Jacket - I'm planning to use this in rifle elk and deer in October and November. September is possible if the temps drop. I like the fit and feel of this a lot and can see me wearing this anytime the weather is a little nasty.

 

[PNW44]

Sweet pics Love Montana!

 

[hobbes]

We took Pedro on his first hike today. He wore a pack saddle but no paniers. He did good. He had never crossed water before so was a little hesitant but at the end I walked him into the creek to let him see that it wouldn't bite him. We only did a 1 hour round trip to start him slow.

Pedro had a close shear a month or so ago, so he went from looking fat to skinny pretty quick.

 

[hobbes]

Fingers crossed for Mountain Lion and Swan. I've applied for both.

I have 4 points for lion and a buddy with dogs. He and his dogs are the experts. I'll just be following them if I could get lucky and draw.


I've had one other swan license but it stayed warm that year and few showed up. Then the temp dropped, their usual stopping point froze, and they migrated right on past.

 

[hobbes]

Ivory holster is on the way for my Springfield XDm 10mm. I'm really not looking forward to carrying the gun in the mountains. The dang thing is heavy, but doesn't do much good sitting in the closet.

 

[hobbes]

I've had to travel the last couple days for work but I've always got my eyes open for wildlife.

River bottom whitetails:




I thought these two were mulies at first, but when I turned around to try to get a better look I realized they were whitetails. The left buck is a wide 10 pt (Eastern count). The cell phone couldn't get much detail at that distance, especially once they started running, but you can get a feel for the Buck's frame.

Prairie bucks:

 

[hobbes]

A couple of prairie mule deer bucks this morning. The bigger was a 4 pt but needs a couple years.

 

[timbrhuntr]

Oh m man those pics are killing me. If only I could insert myself into them in a couple of months

 

[hobbes]

Are you still unable to travel here and hunt?

 

[timbrhuntr]

Can’t drive into US Biden is keeping his side of the border closed to land crossing unless essential guess he’s worse than even trudope

 

[hobbes]

Can’t drive into US Biden is keeping his side of the border closed to land crossing unless essential guess he’s worse than even trudope

I've not been paying attention.

 

[hobbes]

The Harris Mountain Fire started today east of I-15 and between Craig and Cascade. I could see two different helicopters shuttling water to it.

 

[timbrhuntr]

When I was a kid I worked as summer labor in some provincial parks in northern Ontario. Best and worst year was a year that had many forest fires. They seconded us to help with fires by digging fire lines. It was good for the higher pay you got for fighting fires but the work was definitely not exciting or glorious just back breaking lol ! Worst was a spring turkey hunt where we woke up to the NM authorities telling us to evacuate the area due to a fast growing fire that had just started. As we were driving out you could see the flames quickly approaching the access road we were on, burned quite a bit of woods before they got it under control !
Although I obviously don't like the wild fires I can't say that I'm opposed to a bit of drought a few weeks before a hunt. The first year I hunted Montana there was a drought and I saw most of my animals at water tanks. I didn't have a mule deer tag and I had at least 5 shooter bucks come to water right in front of me. The next couple years when i did have a tag there was lots of rain just before the hunt and the mule deer mostly avoided the tanks. I did have fun spot and stalking but a gimme shot at a tank I wouldn't have passed up.

Hopefully they will get lots of rain soon to help with controlling the fires.

 

[hobbes]

The Ivory Holster came in today. The Springfield XDm fits in nicely. It fits securely onto the PALS webbing of my pack belt. I started using a Kifaru 14er last season to downsize from the MR Metcalf. I'll still use the Mrtcalf if I plan to pack in a really heavy load or pack meat. I probably should order a holster specifically for that pack also.

 

[hobbes]

I'm really tired of this heat and smoke. It was a very nice 55 degrees Fahrenheit this morning but will be 97 by 4 PM.

 

[hobbes]

Dangit!!! Unsuccessful on lion and swan licenses. I should know about antelope end of next week. I'll be really disappointed if that ends up in the "unsuccessful" column.

 

[MT257]

Drew my swan tag. Should be interesting to see what the pup thinks of a bird of that size.

 

[hobbes]

Drew my swan tag. Should be interesting to see what the pup thinks of a bird of that size.

I had one a few years ago but didn't get a chance at one. It would likely be a one time deal if I killed one, provided it was a good mature one.

 

[MT257]

I had one a few years ago but didn't get a chance at one. It would likely be a one time deal if I killed one, provided it was a good mature one.

I've never hunted them either, so it will be an adventure thats for sure.

 

[hobbes]

I've never hunted them either, so it will be an adventure thats for sure.

Good luck! Im assuming that you are hunting Freeze Out