NW Montana Elk in Sactuary Mode

[MtnBum]

We've all heard it. When the rut is done the bulls go for a run to "sactuary." Well it's that time where all the bulls are in sanctuary mode tucked up in thick timber or rugged terrain that is hard to access. I live here in NW Montana and if any of you know, it is stuffed thick with trees about anywhere you go here to hunt. Which brings me to ask, of you guys who hunt up here where in your experience have you had best luck in finding bulls (not looking for the secret spot or even general area, just looking for answered on what type terrain, elevation, time, etc.... those kinds of things). Pretty much everywhere here is a sactuary, it's just thick about everywhere you look which makes it hard for a new elk hunter like me to try and dial in a specific location. I got into some cows last year in rifle season but that doesn't say much because I know that the bulls aren't with them. Any info will help, just another hunter looking to have success and willing to work for it, haha I'm far from a road hunter, I just feel like I'm hiking my butt off and not getting any results, haven't even gotten into much deer this year and the snow here is piling on which makes it that much more fun to hike up the mountain sides.

 

[jlivgren]

Cut a track and follow until you find them. Can take a couple days to do if weather allows


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[Ross]

Have had good luck finding little pockets of rock faces and darker timber with less under brush. As noted be looking for tracks obviously. Can be extremely difficult in your neck of the woods. Good thing is they are feeding longer. I am hunting around noxon and understand the fun and aggravationGood luck