I think I want to do a Montana hunt. I looked at their website, it looks like there is an elk/deer combo license that costs $1k.

I think I can put a group together, then we have to get lucky and draw.

Has anyone done Montana?

Any words of wisdom?

What's usually available over the counter?

white tail buck and bull elk are typically over the counter tags with draws only for specific areas. There is a ton of public land in the western part of the state where you can buy over the counter tags, but the hunting can be very tough if you don't have a guide/experience. The big game rifle season is also relatively short. I recommend going thru a reputable guide. I grew up in Montana, and hunted there last year, but I have access to reduced price tags and private land as I was a former resident and have a family members that "sponsor" me through a fish and game program. Having said that, I personally wouldn't pay to hunt public land in Montana without a guide, even with my knowledge of certain areas. The cost vs chance of success just isn't worth it to me. Some others may have better wisdom, that's just my personal opinion/experience.

^^^I'd go with what the native suggests. I've done two guided (connected on both), one DIY (saw a couple-year old elk scat and that's it, right after the fires, but still) in Montana. 'Trying to get a guided hunt booked for 2017 there. Warning: Like a few other places in the world, once you hunt those mountains, you will always want to get back amongst them.

I was station there for 4 years and hunted there for 9 years total. Was 8 for 9 on archery elk kills all DIY public land. But when we went it was for 3 weeks at a time and lived with the elk to figure them out. I'm not the weekend warrior type that thinks the hunting sucks cause you out in no effort or get far off the roads. A few nights I would stay out, sleep with the elk instead of hiking back to camp only having to find them again the next morning.

I did Western Montana once for elk and deer. We saw animals every day, but they where all small and being pushed around by other hunters. It's not as bad as CO public land, but it was crowded enough that I never want to go again. If you can get into some Wilderness Areas or private land, that would be great. Or draw a limited area tag where nobody else will be, you'll have a great hunt.

Always wanted to hunt Montana sometime.

Thanks guys. I have a buddy that's a local there that I think can put me on the animals. We've talked about doing some trading for some guiding services.

I dang sure ain't afraid to get away from the truck. I'd actually prefer to camp out a good ways into the brush.

I guess all I have to do is the rest of it. I got my first muley this year, and I've always said I would go after an elk after I got a mule deer. I still haven't got to hunt any mountains, and I've had my heart set on Montana since I was a kid. I like the fact that I can get an elk & muley combo tag. Seems like most places you have to draw one or the other, unless I'm mistaken.

Went last year up in the mountains out of White Sulphur Springs. It was very crowded. Camped out for 2 weeks. 12-27 degree range then. (Below 0 now). Tons of mule deer in the area. Got one of those. Saw a total of 5 elk, all cows. Hunted forest land and private ranch land. It was beautiful and I'd love to go again but I think it will be a guided hunt next time.