With elk hunting season only half over, there’s still plenty of time to bag that perfect bull. While elk can be found throughout Montana, five locations offer prime elk selection for the discriminating hunter.
Slippery Ann-Zortman, MT
The Missouri Breaks are famous for its selection of wildlife. Located on the north side of the Missouri River, Slippery Ann is one of the top gathering places for elk in the Breaks. Beginning in early September, the elk come here to rut, often right next to the highway. After the rut, at the beginning of hunting season, usually in mid October, the elk move farther into the Breaks, but are still easily located as there are very few trees and few places for the elk to hide. From the tops of the hills, hunters can see for miles to scope out the elk populations. Water is scarce in the Breaks, so the elk gather near the creeks at dusk and dawn. There are few roads in the area, so hunters will need to be prepared with horses or four wheelers for packing out their elk. Most of the land is public, however, there is an elk preserve in the area, so hunters must be aware of who owns the land they are on.
Slippery Ann is accessed from Highway 191 north of Roy.
Paradise Valley-Gardiner, MT
Every year, thousands of people flock to Yellowstone National Park to see the wildlife. Despite the reintroduction of the wolf to the ecosystem ten years ago, the elk population in Yellowstone is flourishing. The elk often wander out of the park into Paradise Valley to the northeast, making the area prime hunting territory. The terrain in Paradise Valley is less rough than in other parts of the state, making it ideal for hunters who are not in top physical condition. Because the area is so popular for elk hunting, many outfitters are available for guided hunts. A caution to hunters: brucellosis is present in the area, and hunters will have to have their elk tested for the disease. Most of the land in Paradise Valley is privately owned, so hunters will need to obtain landowner permission before beginning their hunt. However, the scenery in Paradise Valley is unbeatable. The area has several celebrity vacation homes, and the surrounding towns have offer luxurious hotels and restaurants for those who want to relax after their hunting trip.
Paradise Valley is accessed from Highway 89 south of Livingston.
Bob Marshall Wilderness-Choteau, MT
Located just south of Glacier National Park, this is another prime location for elk. Just west of the Continental Divide, the mountain vistas could be the background for any western movie. This is a popular location for out of state hunters. The Bob Marshall Wilderness is best accessed by horseback, which enhances the feeling of being a part of nature, although four wheelers are allowed on many of the trails. The elk population has decreased over the last couple years, in part due to the development in the area. However, the elk that remain have thrived. For those hunters who want to bag a large bull, the Bob Marshall Wilderness offers a great selection. However, until the first snow, the elk remain high in the mountains, which can make the hunt challenging for the inexperienced.
The Bob Marshall Wilderness is accessed from Bellview Road west of Choteau.
Lolo National Forest-Lolo, MT
Scenery like this makes people believe in Bigfoot. The dense, thick forest is the classic elk habitat. The area, while preserved, has been well developed and offers many trails for those wishing to access the backcountry. The challenge is locating the elk in the trees. For those who have never seen a truly camouflaged animal, Lolo National Forest is the ultimate place to experience the challenge of trying to locate an animal that does not want to be found. Because the elk population is relatively undisturbed, both cows and bulls are plentiful. For the hunter who wants the convenience of a large city nearby, Missoula is less than fifteen miles from the entrance to the forest.
Lolo National Forest is accessed from Highway 12 west of Lolo.
Middle Fork-Hobson, MT
By far the most difficult to access, but by far the best kept secret in elk hunting. Middle Fork is located in the Little Belt Mountains in the Lewis and Clark National Forest. The area has not been developed like other parts of the state, and remains largely unchanged from when Lewis and Clark came through the area 200 years ago. Accessing Middle Fork is difficult, and will, at the very least, require a 4WD pickup. However, the reward is well worth the journey. Because the area is largely undeveloped, the elk population has flourished. Water is plentiful, but the terrain is rough. Many areas are accessible only on horseback. Once the road ends, hunters will still have to travel eleven miles by foot or horseback to reach the top of Middle Fork. Most of the people who hunt Middle Fork live in the area. One outfitter in the area provides guided hunts into Middle Fork as well as offers accommodations for hunters at his ranch. For hunters who are ready for the challenge, Middle Fork is the ultimate Montana hunting experience.
Middle Fork is accessed from Yogo Creek Road, west of Sapphire Village.
When seeking the ultimate elk hunting vacation, consider these five prime spots. With beautiful scenery and flourishing elk populations, hunters will not be disappointed. Scope out the game this season, and take the time to plan the ultimate hunting trip for next season. Even the most finicky hunter will be able to find his perfect trip in one of these locations.
