Montana Archery Elk in Missouri Breaks

by **bownarrow** » 12 21, 2014 • [Post 1]

I am looking to archery elk hunt in the Montana Missouri Breaks this year-I have never hunted MT. I have 2 Bonus Points and 2 Preference Points. (non resident). I am considering either a drop camp to help me find the elk, a guide, or a private ranch hunt. Does anyone have experience or recommendations for a reputable outfitter or Guide? For you DIY guys, what is your experience getting into elk? (Unit 621 or 410). I don't mind hiking long distances, and have a boat that would get me around the lake (Lund 2025) if that is of help. I hear bringing a boat is not much of a secret these days, and so if it does not create an advantage I prefer to hike and keep things as simple as possible. But again, open to anything and looking for advice to be successful (I define success as being in Elk most mornings and evenings).

Thanks,

Bow

by **Indian Summer** » 12 21, 2014 • [Post 2]

As you found out on Bowsite the Breaks are poke and hope. It is pretty much impossible to get away from other hunters. The hunting isn't what it used to be so all of the stuff you read is fairly outdated. The huge number of cow tags given out in recent years has changed everything. the big ranch owners lobbied for herd reductions and got their way. All they care about is big bulls which live for the most part on their private land. Especially since the increase gun tags put more pressure on the public land. Any outfitter in the area will cost big bucks. A boat can help but there are lots of guys going that route too. Plus you need to monitor water levels which fluctuate big time. If levels are down which happens all the time there will be bud for hundreds of yards along shore making it impossible to get your boat anywhere near dry land you can walk on.

The most recent BS post from Dr Bob says it all. He's a crabby old fart who has as much experience in the Breaks as anyone and is a wealth of info on the area. He has killed more than his share of elk there and considers it home. He held on longer than he probably should have. We all know how discouraging and overwhelming the thought of starting over can be. But he is packing it in and looking for greener pastures as he put it. If you want more info PM Dr Bob and he will most likely answer you.

I hate to be the bringer of bad news bownarrow but if I were you I'd look elsewhere. If you are dead set on hunting there you should look at your first trip as nothing more than an exploratory mission. Be flexible. Willing to relocate and learn as much as you can. And then come back the following year a little more educated... or decide to walk away. Make no mistake you will have company no matter what. Make sure you read the regulations for the CM Russell area too. Max days to camp are very limited. Doc Bob got a big fine there once for not moving his camp. Also no camping off roads is permitted. I hate that rule! No picking up sheds either. etc etc. Know the rules before you go there. Also water is scarce so most guys bring their own. And... if it rains prepare to be immobilized for several days. Imagine if you can driving a Matchbox car in 2 inches deep of grease. :shock:

I guess I should mention that you could kill a big bull there.

by **bownarrow** » 12 21, 2014 • [Post 3]

Thanks Indian Summer. Pretty depressing, but your analysis is consistent with what I have heard from most others.

by **Indian Summer** » 12 21, 2014 • [Post 4]

I was thinking about you on my way out this afternoon. I thought something worth mentioning would be that the guys who hunted the Breaks "back in the day" were probably a bit spoiled. So the gloom and doom stories might not mean it is as bad as it seems. But I think that if you were serious about hunting there you should try to go there for a week during the summer to get a jumpstart on your learning curve. Dr Bob has done all of his hunting in 410 on the south side of the water and it get's a lot of pressure. I would suggest trying 621 if that helps. I know a veteran of Breaks hunting and that is his pick. You may even know who he is if that tells you anything. Based on his advice I researched the unit once and even drew the permit there. My plan was to try the wilderness area figuring I could escape some of the rat race. But before ZI put the plan into action quite a few people talked me out of it and I never went. The wilderness area isn't all that big and you cannot camp in there either. Good luck and let us know what you decide. Two and half months to narrow it down still.

by **slim9300** » 12 21, 2014 • [Post 5]

If you have the money to hunt a private ranch in the breaks, you are going to have a very good hunt in my opinion. I hunt there for deer, and I have hunted there for elk in the past with Archery tackle (on public). I had a cow tag this year for rifle also. The only question is whether or not the money is better spent in another state. If I ever draw my Archery elk tag in MT (I have 8 points for elk). I will consider paying the big bucks to hunt private.

by **realunlucky** » 12 21, 2014 • [Post 6]

Breaks get tons of pressure on the weekends. Every cotton wood next to the river has a tree stand it was little shocking. Only big bulls were within the refuge just my experience

by **Indian Summer** » 12 21, 2014 • [Post 7]

No doubt Slim. I think there will always be big bulls there. Whether or not they are out of reach is the question. Big ranches are refuges. If you can draw the tag and afford to hunt there you can have a great hunt for sure. But I think I might rather draw 380 where I can do it on my own for a lot less money. Probably won't have the same size potential though.

And with the pressure on public like realunlucky mentioned those elk are very nocturnal only coming out of their bedding area in the cover of darkness. That's a pretty tough act to follow. Lots of lonely sits in those cottonwoods.

by **zpd307** » 12 21, 2014 • [Post 8]

funny, i just had a guy from mt, tell me to hunt the breaks. just a little research told me no....