Shootemjacob
FNG
Hello Everyone,
A buddy and I drew Montana Combo Licenses and I have been e-scouting over the past year. I have gone through multiple units and multiple plans, thinking that I found the "perfect" spot and have the perfect plan. A few weeks into refining glassing spots, feeding areas, drainages, etc., I realize that the spot/plan is far from perfect and will likely be a waste of time and effort due to a multitude of reasons. I have learned a lot just by going through OnX, Google earth, biology reports, etc., over the past year. Looking back at my early planning, I now laugh at how clueless I was. Knowing that, I can't imagine how I'm gonna feel at the end of our trip.
I am asking for some general guidance on my planning/situation as I am struggling to decide if the plan is reasonable.
DETAILS:
Area: SW Montana
Elevation: 6,000ft to 10,500ft
Dates: Oct. 22 - Oct. 28
Access: Bivy/Backpacking
Age: Youthful
LOCATION A:
Location A encompasses around 8 to 12 square miles of public land that is pretty much encapsulated by private land. I have been able to verify our access point as it was very hard to find. Simply put, the terrain is very very aggressive and there is a lot of vegetation/timber. There are not a lot of openings/glassable areas compared to Location B. There are a good amount of meadows and water sources with smaller open spaces.
I have found elk in this area on google earth so I know there are elk there. I just don't know if such an aggressive/thick area is feasible for late October rifle season.
LOCATION B:
Location B significantly encompasses a lot more land than Location A. Location B is in a wilderness area, but there are a lot of labeled trails and public access points in all directions. I know for a fact this area gets hunting pressure based on the few outfitters nearby and general research I have done. The terrain/habitat looks a lot more sexy to me though. I know its good habitat, I would just be fighting against hunting pressure.
QUESTIONS:
Would you consider rifle hunting Location A at all given the terrain? If both locations look good, which one would be your first location for opening morning and which location would be your backup?
Thank you in advance.
A buddy and I drew Montana Combo Licenses and I have been e-scouting over the past year. I have gone through multiple units and multiple plans, thinking that I found the "perfect" spot and have the perfect plan. A few weeks into refining glassing spots, feeding areas, drainages, etc., I realize that the spot/plan is far from perfect and will likely be a waste of time and effort due to a multitude of reasons. I have learned a lot just by going through OnX, Google earth, biology reports, etc., over the past year. Looking back at my early planning, I now laugh at how clueless I was. Knowing that, I can't imagine how I'm gonna feel at the end of our trip.
I am asking for some general guidance on my planning/situation as I am struggling to decide if the plan is reasonable.
DETAILS:
Area: SW Montana
Elevation: 6,000ft to 10,500ft
Dates: Oct. 22 - Oct. 28
Access: Bivy/Backpacking
Age: Youthful
LOCATION A:
Location A encompasses around 8 to 12 square miles of public land that is pretty much encapsulated by private land. I have been able to verify our access point as it was very hard to find. Simply put, the terrain is very very aggressive and there is a lot of vegetation/timber. There are not a lot of openings/glassable areas compared to Location B. There are a good amount of meadows and water sources with smaller open spaces.
I have found elk in this area on google earth so I know there are elk there. I just don't know if such an aggressive/thick area is feasible for late October rifle season.
LOCATION B:
Location B significantly encompasses a lot more land than Location A. Location B is in a wilderness area, but there are a lot of labeled trails and public access points in all directions. I know for a fact this area gets hunting pressure based on the few outfitters nearby and general research I have done. The terrain/habitat looks a lot more sexy to me though. I know its good habitat, I would just be fighting against hunting pressure.
QUESTIONS:
Would you consider rifle hunting Location A at all given the terrain? If both locations look good, which one would be your first location for opening morning and which location would be your backup?
Thank you in advance.
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