Sorry in advance for the short notice. Both guys I was supposed to hunt with next week september 11,12, and 13 bailed on me. The plan was to backcountry camp a couple of nights. I'm located In Helena Montana. The trail head is about 2 hours away from here. Pm me if your interested in teaming up.
I'm not against leaving proof of sex attached but I dont understand why...the animals arent regulated by sex they are by antlers or antlerless. I know its rare but what if you shoot a doe or cow with antlers on a bull tag?
You should be on a lower private piece. No guarantees. The bowhunters will push the elk but after opening day will probly be the best for private land. And I know that some of those elk live on private year round
Get the onx chip. Id watch all of randy newbergs videos on late season/ post rut elk. As well as his videos on hunting boundaries. When it came time to hunt id be hunting that reservation boundary as far from a road as I could get.
Lots of pressure on the public. Lots of elk. Almost have to have onx maps in that part of the country. It can be frustrating but also very rewarding. Once the shooting starts most of the game will be on private. But if you put in your time and get a little luck on your side it could be a great...
Assuming you draw. I would call asap after getting the results....all the bmas in montana are different. Some you have to reserve a date or dates. Some you need written permission. And some you just sign in and go hunt. Others have limited number of hunters per day. On a first come first serve...