First Time Elk hunter

[clambe9088]

Going on my first elk hunt in western Montana. Season is 5 weeks long and starts the last week in October. What is the best week to hunt? Some say the first 2 weeks are the best since the elk are not spooked. Other say the last 2 weeks are the best since the weather is more predicable and that causes the elk to be more predicable. Any and all thoughts/comments are welcome.

[Indian Summer]

I could write a book on the pros and cons of each week in western Montana.

Obviously week one offers the element of surprise. Even though there's only a week between bow and gun not many people are bowhunting in mid October so the elk haven't been disturbed for quite some time. Also... there's a 50/50 chance of hearing a bugle on day 1 even though it will usually come from a small bull. But if you are a first timer that shouldn't matter. On the down side... there probably won't be snow. Finding/seeing elk is more than half the battle in gun season and snow is a HUGE help.

Week 2 is a hell of a lot tougher because the opening week mad rush just happened, unless you're several miles in. But... there aren't nearly as many people hunting then as there are on week one and the last week.

Everything in the middle is weather dependent. But... The last week will surely have some elk staging anticipating dropping to lower elevations. Hunters are the only thing keeping them from just doing it right then and there. But it takes previous experience to know where the elk will be then. If there is serious snow you'll be able to get on them. The down side is you may not be able to drive to a high elevation parking place to start your days... which is a good plan in my book. Elevation is like money in the bank.

If I had to pick I'd hunt the 1st week, or the last.

Feel free to PM me or ask questions on here. Keep in mind you have to make 3 posts on here before you can send or receive PMs. I have a billion days of experience in that neck of the woods. Where abouts??? Solo or how many others?

Welcome aboard pilgrim!

[clambe9088]

I could write a book on the pros and cons of each week in western Montana.

Obviously week one offers the element of surprise. Even though there's only a week between bow and gun not many people are bowhunting in mid October so the elk haven't been disturbed for quite some time. Also... there's a 50/50 chance of hearing a bugle on day 1 even though it will usually come from a small bull. But if you are a first timer that shouldn't matter. On the down side... there probably won't be snow. Finding/seeing elk is more than half the battle in gun season and snow is a HUGE help.

Week 2 is a hell of a lot tougher because the opening week mad rush just happened, unless you're several miles in. But... there aren't nearly as many people hunting then as there are on week one and the last week.

Everything in the middle is weather dependent. But... The last week will surely have some elk staging anticipating dropping to lower elevations. Hunters are the only thing keeping them from just doing it right then and there. But it takes previous experience to know where the elk will be then. If there is serious snow you'll be able to get on them. The down side is you may not be able to drive to a high elevation parking place to start your days... which is a good plan in my book. Elevation is like money in the bank.

If I had to pick I'd hunt the 1st week, or the last.

Feel free to PM me or ask questions on here. Keep in mind you have to make 3 posts on here before you can send or receive PMs. I have a billion days of experience in that neck of the woods. Where abouts??? Solo or how many others?

Welcome aboard pilgrim!