I got it!

[FTTPOW]

I checked on-line last night and found out I was successful in drawing a Big Game Combo license.

I've already checked on fares to get there, but I'll wait til the tag's in my hand before booking. Dang, now I have to get to work on the 'ol body!

 

[Speckmisser]

Congrats, Fttpow!

Is Montana a hard draw? It's one of those places I always wanted to hunt, but I want to do a full-blown pack-trip.

 

[FTTPOW]

Speck, A few years back, you could count on getting turned down the first year you applied (40% chance), but if you applied the following year you had first dibs (90% chance). They've raised their fees and started bonus points and since '02 I've drawn the first time each year I've applied. I thought drawing in '02 was a fluke, now after drawing again this year, I don't know what to tell you. Maybe the price increase held some non-res back from trying and helped the odds for those that still did, I don't know. So far as your dream of a pack-in hunt, I'm with you. The folks I stay with have started using horses 2 years ago and we talked about spending a few days out. Just need to work out the logistics on gear, horse feed, and water. They'll have all summer to pack and hide certain items in so they'll be ready when we need them. I can't wait!

 

[duckman2002]

right on.What part of the state are you hunting?my brother has lived there for almost 14 years now when he first moved there he was working for a guide not sure of the name. but since then he has not been involved with or guideing hunting .I myself have never been there but my uncle moved there last year and my mother is moving there in august so looks like I will be hunting there soon.

 

[Buck-eye]

Awesome. That is a trip of a lifetime in my view. Enjoy the preparation. I think that is 75% of the fun.

Buck-eye

 

[wmidbrook]

Ought to be a great trip. Congrats on drawing~!

 

[COHunter]

Congrats !!!!

So with your license being a "Combo", what are you gonna be trying for the most ?

 

[FTTPOW]

Duckman, I'll be in the northwest corner of the state near Libby.
Buck-eye, wrong! 75% of the misery is preparing THIS body for the hunt. It gets tougher each year, but no one is forcing me to go. It's all worth the pain when I get there.
Co hunter, Elk is the primary target, no actually just being there is, any deer will be either after the fact, above average sized, or at the last minute just to help fill their freezer.
The friend that I stay with out there is here in Ohio this week visiting with family. We'll hook up and detail the plans some more.

 

[YH88]

Congrats!!!

 

[azbiggame]

FTTPOW: Libby,Mt. is some of the most "BEAUTIFULL"country a person/hunter can visit.Spent 18 yrs up there in 70-80's raising A family.The "YAAK" always had the BEST whitetail,and also along Lake Koocanusa,West side,BUT for Elk most "LOCALS" hunted on the Kanikus Nat Forest between Noxon and Thompson Falls in Sanders County,right up close to Idaho border.Have a GREAT time ---