Off to Montana

Lem Evans wrote:

richter69 wrote:Lem is starting to worry me......

I aint got time to worry about that....worry on........

Yup, I'm concerned a little as well. Lem's batch'ing it and already he's surfing weird videos.. Whats next

bbf-falcon wrote:Yea no kidding. In the winter months those farmers just load up and go to some exotic tropical island,od maybe Montana to hunt. Life is good huh Rob.

Probably drove down in his new Ford too. Damn poor farmers. CAn't see how they get by..

HorsinAround wrote:

bbf-falcon wrote:Yea no kidding. In the winter months those farmers just load up and go to some exotic tropical island,od maybe Montana to hunt. Life is good huh Rob.

Probably drove down in his new Ford too. Damn poor farmers. CAn't see how they get by..

Actually traded vehicles with the wife. 4 guys and lots of gear, the Burb was a better choice. LOL. The wife sure liked the idea of tearing it up with the dually.

schmitty wrote:

HorsinAround wrote:

bbf-falcon wrote:Yea no kidding. In the winter months those farmers just load up and go to some exotic tropical island,od maybe Montana to hunt. Life is good huh Rob.

Probably drove down in his new Ford too. Damn poor farmers. CAn't see how they get by..

Actually traded vehicles with the wife. 4 guys and lots of gear, the Burb was a better choice. LOL. The wife sure liked the idea of tearing it up with the dually.

Thats something. My wife refuses to drive anything bigger than her Escape. Which I don't mind as I don't have to worry about her trying to girly up my truck.

We made it back to flat country again. Empty handed, but lots of great memories of hunting with good friends. We saw the wolves and heard them. It is an eerie sound when you hear them howl back at you and you know that they are the top of the food chain and you aren't even a snack to them. I hope I can make it back up there some time and do it again. I think if The Good Lord is willing we should be able to fill the tags now that we know more about how to operate. Doug, thanks for a great time and even better memories of getting to hunt together, it was a priceless time together.

I'm glad you guys made it home OK Rob. And am also glad you guys had fun. I don't remember the last time I had as much fun while hunting. Unfortunately, I only have the one pic from Sat. morning. You know, when the wolves walked past the trucks, and down the very road we were driving on. While we sat up on the mountain, and watched them... Though I did have a shot on the one, at 803 yds, he just didn't present much of a target as he faced away from us. He'd have been toast if he would've just turned broadside. To really appreciate this track, you have to know just how big the feller's hand is in the picture. The kicker this day was, that just 3-4 feet to the left of this track was a fresh mountain lion track as well. So, we had (at this particular spot) 5 sets of wolf tracks, and 1 lion track. Talk about gettin' your dander up.


Sunday was a very fast paced environment to say the least... It started before daybreak as we met another friend of mine on the mountain, that was up there to check and set more traps for wolves himself. So we set up and did some howling, and got a couple responses, but that was about it. We decided that due to the trappers, we would possibly benefit from checking into another set-up elsewhere. After a quick stop at my rifle range, we headed down the road. About 2 miles down the road, I glanced to my right, and just standing there 1200 yds or so out, there's a lone wolf, right on an open hayfield. So I get the truck stopped, and bail out to get rob and his crew to stop and showed them the wolf. Now it's game on again. I called the landowner from my cell, and his wife said to take him out. So we made an attempt to get after him from 2 sides, and long story short, we got busted, the wolf cancelled the autograph session and bugged out to a neighboring ranch that we can't get access to...

After a phone call to another rancher to come out with the John Deere and yank us out of a snow bank that I buried my truck in, we head north, about 85 miles or so. Hit a couple of ranches, took a couple of wrong turns, and as daylight faded on the last evening, we found a piece of State Land that was pretty large, and it was that or nothing. As we got up on the ridge, Rob and the others set up a stand site, and got to calling. I went over the next ridge to the west to check it out and noticed some susppicious activity by some deer and resident cattle coming from a very distant creek bed. I went back and tried to get Rob or the others' attention, but with the wind, and the way they were laying in their set-up, it was to no avail, so I went for a little jog. 5.7 miles worth by the time I got to where I needed to be, according to my GPS. When I got there, there was no wolf activity at present, but the deer and cattle were still pretty skittish. I moved to the edge of the canyon, and gave a long deep wolf howl, and the deer were definitely not impressed, as they're probably still running, by the way they lit out...

My GPS showed me that it was "ALOT" closer to hit a county road about 1/4 mile away, than to go back to the truck, so I called Rob and told him where I was and how to get there to pick me up. And there ended the hunt for the weekend.

As Rob stated, although we didn't fill any tags, it was a great time with some great guys, in some of God's most beautiful country... Rob took a few pics "I think" of the east end of the Scapegoat Wilderness, and I hope he'll post them up... I also hope they can make a return trip for another shot at it, as I can see some ridiculously fun times in the future...

Thanks guys, I wouldn't have missed it for the world...

damn exciting thxs for the front row action Doug

So what caliber do you use to hunt wolves with?

I took my trusty old Rem 30/06 as did another guy, one had a 300 Win Mag and another an AR10 in. 308. I brought along my new Smith AR15 in 300 Blackout too. I would say for the range the shooting could take, I would use anything from a medium range deer gun like the 7-08 on up to whatever you are willing to carry for a couple mile walk in the woods uphill. I don't think I will take my Blackout back when we return. The old 06 is going to be it. Lightweight and accurate to 5-600yds with enough punch to drop a 150lb plus animal.

In most cases, it is recommended that a hunter use a caliber suited to most big game hunting. When I was guiding deer/elk hunters, I preferred someone bring and use a caliber that they can shoot well, and proficiently. After talking with people that have shot wolves, they strongly recommend using something .270 Win or bigger. Mostly they said, due to the fact that wolves are tough and will sometimes soak up some lead. IMO, anyone with any kind of confidence in their abilities can get by fine with a .243 or bigger. As long as the shooting ranges are kept within reason, and shot placement is precise. Get yourself a tag, and come on out. Kill or no kill, you won't regret the trip...

Dude, I would LOVE to come out to Montana and do some hunting Wolves, etc. I do have a .308 that would work nicely. I also think a prarie dog hunting would be a blast with my .223 I knew a guy that was a guide in Montana during the 80's and early 90's (i think) before they moved back here to be close to her folks. His stories and pictures were awesome.

Maybe after I get the kids through college and not building a drag truck, I'll have some spare money to put down on a trip like that. (4 more years, only 4 more years lol)

We are planning a return trip this year to fill the tags we have, and already working on another for next year. There were a couple guys who got left behind on this one, and they want to go expeirience the wild outdoors of Montana too. You won't regret the trip at all Alan. Maybe when you can make the trip, you can stop by here and jump in with me and we'll go up together and fill a couple tags.

What's the cost for out of state tags? Also Schmitty, give me a zip code and I'll see how far of a drive it is. Maybe I can start saving for the trip next year.

HorsinAround wrote:What's the cost for out of state tags? Also Schmitty, give me a zip code and I'll see how far of a drive it is. Maybe I can start saving for the trip next year.

Hey Alan, the cost of a wolf tag for non-residents is $350.00 + $10.00 for the conservation license. I did however hear yesterday, that our FWP officials are looking at not closing the season at the end of Feb. this year. That means the wolf will be listed as a predator, and categorized as all other predators/varmints in Montana, and no license will be required to hunt them. Just like the states of Idaho & Wyoming are currently... As for the zip code, I'm not sure which one you want, so Rob's is 68949, and mine is 59602. On one hand, if should decide to maybe fly out, I have plenty of shootin irons that you can take your pick from for a hunt as well... I will say, that regardless of when you decide to come out, make sure that you not only prep financially, but physically. I don't know what your altitude is there, but on average one would be hunting about 5000'+ out here... I hope you can make it sometime soon, it'll be great to get together with other members of the forum... For whatever reason...

Thanks for the offer Doug. Looks like 12 hours to Robs or 24 to your place... Flyings looking pretty good lol
As for fitness, well, I ride bicycle alot and work out daily, but our altitude is under 1000ft, so going to 5000ft would be an adjustment. Dude, I am getting stoked. Montana is a state that I have always wanted to go to!
Let me know what dates Rob is coming up for next year and I will plan for it. Sounds like a great time!

If I go next year, it will be about the same time, early mid Jan. It was a 14 hour drive from my place to Doug's, and went pretty fast with the conversation. Heck, the only time we had the radio on was the last couple hours on the way home so we could listen to the BCS championship game.

ThndrChkn wrote:

HorsinAround wrote:What's the cost for out of state tags? Also Schmitty, give me a zip code and I'll see how far of a drive it is. Maybe I can start saving for the trip next year.

Hey Alan, the cost of a wolf tag for non-residents is $350.00 + $10.00 for the conservation license. I did however hear yesterday, that our FWP officials are looking at not closing the season at the end of Feb. this year. That means the wolf will be listed as a predator, and categorized as all other predators/varmints in Montana, and no license will be required to hunt them. Just like the states of Idaho & Wyoming are currently... As for the zip code, I'm not sure which one you want, so Rob's is 68949, and mine is 59602. On one hand, if should decide to maybe fly out, I have plenty of shootin irons that you can take your pick from for a hunt as well... I will say, that regardless of when you decide to come out, make sure that you not only prep financially, but physically. I don't know what your altitude is there, but on average one would be hunting about 5000'+ out here... I hope you can make it sometime soon, it'll be great to get together with other members of the forum... For whatever reason...

So if they end up listing the wolf as a predator, does that mean you don't even need a regular hunting license? Here, say you want to hunt deer. FIrst you have to buy a general hunting license, then you have to buy deer permits. One for each deer you want to take.

schmitty wrote:If I go next year, it will be about the same time, early mid Jan. It was a 14 hour drive from my place to Doug's, and went pretty fast with the conversation. Heck, the only time we had the radio on was the last couple hours on the way home so we could listen to the BCS championship game.

Let me know as soon as you pick a date for next January and I'll book a flight if you guys wouldn't mind another tagging along. Then we can get details hammered out.

HorsinAround wrote:

ThndrChkn wrote:

HorsinAround wrote:What's the cost for out of state tags? Also Schmitty, give me a zip code and I'll see how far of a drive it is. Maybe I can start saving for the trip next year.

Hey Alan, the cost of a wolf tag for non-residents is $350.00 + $10.00 for the conservation license. I did however hear yesterday, that our FWP officials are looking at not closing the season at the end of Feb. this year. That means the wolf will be listed as a predator, and categorized as all other predators/varmints in Montana, and no license will be required to hunt them. Just like the states of Idaho & Wyoming are currently... As for the zip code, I'm not sure which one you want, so Rob's is 68949, and mine is 59602. On one hand, if should decide to maybe fly out, I have plenty of shootin irons that you can take your pick from for a hunt as well... I will say, that regardless of when you decide to come out, make sure that you not only prep financially, but physically. I don't know what your altitude is there, but on average one would be hunting about 5000'+ out here... I hope you can make it sometime soon, it'll be great to get together with other members of the forum... For whatever reason...

So if they end up listing the wolf as a predator, does that mean you don't even need a regular hunting license? Here, say you want to hunt deer. FIrst you have to buy a general hunting license, then you have to buy deer permits. One for each deer you want to take.

schmitty wrote:If I go next year, it will be about the same time, early mid Jan. It was a 14 hour drive from my place to Doug's, and went pretty fast with the conversation. Heck, the only time we had the radio on was the last couple hours on the way home so we could listen to the BCS championship game.

Let me know as soon as you pick a date for next January and I'll book a flight if you guys wouldn't mind another tagging along. Then we can get details hammered out.

That's right Alan... If they list the wolf as an actual predator, which it is, and not a big game animal, like it is currently listed, there shouldn't be a need for any type of license to hunt them. Just like like coyotes, rabbits, prarie dogs etc. We can hunt them up here without a license. So I don't see why a non-resident would have to buy even a general hunting license.

There is a good chance I'll be coming up the first week of June with our church. We will be in Saint Ignatius working at the Pine Haven ranch which looks like it's about 2 1/2 hours from you. Any racing going on then, maybe we can get together.

Sounds like a good time with friends for sure. Wish I could swing a trip up to Dougs.
Alan the trip out to Rob's place isn't bad. Mostly interstate driving.

Allan
If you want to see heards of bighorn sheep travel about 40 miles west on hwy 200 towards thompson falls. hwy 200 runs into hwy 93 right at st ignatios.

f250mike wrote:Sounds like a good time with friends for sure. Wish I could swing a trip up to Dougs.
Alan the trip out to Rob's place isn't bad. Mostly interstate driving.

Darrin Gorham wrote:Allan
If you want to see heards of bighorn sheep travel about 40 miles west on hwy 200 towards thompson falls. hwy 200 runs into hwy 93 right at st ignatios.

Mike, It's still a long ride.. lol

Darrin, thanks for the info. Still waiting on details of the trip to emerge from the church to know if the trip will happen.

HorsinAround wrote:

f250mike wrote:Sounds like a good time with friends for sure. Wish I could swing a trip up to Dougs.
Alan the trip out to Rob's place isn't bad. Mostly interstate driving.

Darrin Gorham wrote:Allan
If you want to see heards of bighorn sheep travel about 40 miles west on hwy 200 towards thompson falls. hwy 200 runs into hwy 93 right at st ignatios.

Mike, It's still a long ride.. lol

Darrin, thanks for the info. Still waiting on details of the trip to emerge from the church to know if the trip will happen.

It's only a few inches on the map! I hear that all the time!