Montana in April

[abbackcountry]

Heading to Montana in April for an RV trip with some buddies. We’ll be there from April 9-16 and plan on chasing some turkeys once the season opens.

I know April and this time of April in particular could present some challenges with access. But right now we’re planning on focusing on Custer NF and maybe a couple other areas in the Southwest corner of the state.

That being said, looking for insights on campgrounds that are open/accessible in April in Montana? In particular, any in the region/area mentioned above? Or should we expect significant access problems due to snow?

 

[TL406]

As a general statement, you should be fine. I doubt you’ll have any issue with snow (anything’s possible but I wouldn’t stress about it). You may get unlucky and show up to a rainy, muddy mess but SE corner generally isn’t a problematic area in terms of weather or access.

Southwest corner…who knows. But if you stay down in the valleys, you should be fine either way. I wouldn’t plan on being able to get up to 7,000 ft but the river bottoms shouldn’t be an issue. I think Custer is an overall safer bet but I wouldn’t stress either way if you’re just gunna hang out in the bottoms and chase turkeys.

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

I would stick to Custer, the further west you go the more access will become an issue. Plus, plenty of turkeys in western MT but definitely become more spotty, have to know where to look.

 

[abbackcountry]

Thanks, both. Did a spring bear hunt in the Bitterroots last year in June and access was an issue in some areas then. So was just wanting to make sure I did some due diligence on access in Custer before heading out there.

It looks like Red Shale and Holiday Spring campgrounds should both be accessible in April but any other suggestions for good camping spots in Custer?

Sincerely appreciate the responses. Thank you!

 

[MT257]

They just posted regs. The season doesn’t open til the 15th. Season date card is incorrect online.

 

[abbackcountry]

Thanks, MT257. Just looked and saw that as well. Was seeing 4/10 before for a couple of the regions but suppose I was looking at the incorrect season date card you mentioned.

 

[AK_Skeeter]

I get away from other hunters by parking by a locked forest service gate and
using my mountain bike and head lamp, bike in for 1 hour before dawn.
I also do not hunt weekends.
Nice to work the birds with no one else around.