New Guy looking for help

[TTripp]

Finally decided to join rokslide been a lurker for awhile now. This will be the first year I'm eligible to hunt in Montana as a resident and I'm really looking forward to it. I've been fortunate enough to take a few Elk in Oregon and Colorado but always with a rifle. This year I'm going after them with a bow. I'm just not sure on what days to take off from work to try and hit the rut.

So I figured I asked you guys what you recommend. I'm going to be hunting near helmville, MT and was planning for either September 12-21 or 19-28?

Any help would be greatly appreciated for a newb.

 

[Muledeernv]

Welcome to rokslide

 

[cleatus]

I hunted the Lolo not far from you this spring for bear. Seen a lot of elk in your area. I think either of your dates would be good. Enjoy. It's a beautiful area

 

[2ski]

There's some block management around Helmville. I've never hunted the area but I drive through there many times a summer on my way to Seeley. I have seen elk along the highway between Drummond and Helmville but I think it's mostly private. There is a small piece of state land along that road with a small parking lot to park in. It used to be more obvious. I honestly don't even know if it's still there.

I've never seen much in the way along the road from Avon the Helmville but there are a couple places to get access tot the forest service. I have a customer that goes up with some friends and family every year for their elk camp in the area.

How did you decide on that area?

 

[brewer427]

I personally will be going the 18-29 just for the fact that for the last few years the rut has always been a little later in September where I hunt. A big part of that was the fact it was warm and dry. Now that being said if we get some good rain in the Middle of September I will be going the 11-22. Since this is the only time I take off of work my boss is very lenient.

Either dates would be fine for you, what HD you going to be hunting? I use to hunt on Ralph Mannix's place when I was younger and took a few elk, I know the area in HD 291 pretty good and Wales creek in 292, 298. Shoot me a PM if interested and I can get you in touch with some locals that live in Ovando.

 

[brewer427]

Also welcome to Rokslide!

 

[TTripp]

Thanks for all the welcomes. brewer427 PM sent.

2ski- I was told about the area by some friends here in Missoula and since it isn't to far I found some good looking spots to be able to get away from people that wasn't in the Bob Marshall. Done a couple scout trips with mixed results but getting one spot in particular dialed in.

Any other input on which dates would be best for trying to hit the rut would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again

 

[brewer427]

PM replied to.