Montana 410 Archery

[huntaholic123]

Was wondering if anyone has hunted 410 in Montana since they limited archery tags? Not looking for any specifics just some general info. Have a friend from Great Falls telling me to apply. Just trying to do some homework before making any decisions. Have read horror stories of the mud and bugs. What about elk numbers? Heard water can be an issue. All info is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[ndbwhunter]

I have a few friends that hunt it every 2-3 years and seem to have decent luck. Sounds like there is plenty of public land, but I guess getting away from roads and other hunters can be an issue. I have heard similar stories about the muddy roads after a little rain. I thought about applying out there myself, but I'm really looking forward to being in the mountains again.

 

[missjordan]

My farrier hunts the area for elk out of tree stands. They always come back with elk every year (both cows and small bulls). His son 4 years ago shot a great bull. I think it scored around 340 if I remember right. A boat is a must have in the breaks!

 

[Sammckeeth]

The elk population in 410 is great. Lots of public land, best hunting is away from the roads. Good water can be hard to find in spots lots of alkali, don't try to filter from springs with lots of white salt around the edges and you'll be ok. Mud is as bad as the horror stories if it rains.

 

[Riplip]

Very cool hunt, with very uncommon terrain. They give out a ton of archery tags for a LE unit so it gets pretty crowded and can difficult to get away from people, and even more difficult to find a suitable camping spot if you are looking to set up a base camp. Mosquitoes and mud can be ridiculously bad. There are some big bulls in the unit and a ton of public land but they get pushed around a lot and are very call shy. Good sharp tail hunting as well!

 

[squeekieslayer]

Bring chains
Dont need a boat
Bring chains
Don't plan to be to work the day after you are supposed to be home... trust me
Dont get discouraged by people
Leave the Hoochie Momma at home
Dont be scared, lots of people, TONS of elk, and some very big elk
Did i mention bring chains... and a shovel...

Joe

 

[jvonbank]

My dad and I hunt 410 almost every other year when we draw. It took us a few years to learn how to hunt it and find some good spots, but now we get an elk or two out there pretty much every year. What others have said about bugs, mud, call shy elk, and lots of people are very true. All that said it is one of my favorite places to chase elk because there are good numbers and lots of land you can hunt. Last year my friend got a 330" 8x6 off a water hole right behind camp our second night out there so now we learned another trick for next time!

Good luck!
Jared

 

[Wrhyne]

Local resident, first time pulling the 410-21 tag.
Question for those who have experience with mud and rainy conditions, do you find that the elk hunker down and don’t move much? I am totally familiar with the “gumbo” effect of the sticky mud. It makes just moving around more difficult. Any ad ice on what the elk generally do would be appreciated.

 

[Wib]

Just bought the preference and bonus permits for 410, nonres.. Have mostly hunted western Montana dyi always. For this hunt I will not have any time to scout and no more than 6 days actual hunting and totally unfamiliar to the area. Thus I intend to go with a guided hunt when drawn. Any outfitters recommended or ones I should stay away from?