Hello Everyone,
Welcome to the 2014 post season hunting report which highlights our 2014 season. The season started off on September 6th here in Montana as we were all looking forward to another great season. Unseasonably warm weather conditions throughout the season right up until early November had deer movement at a minimum. Fish, Wildlife and Parks issued a mid season report and big game harvests were down throughout the whole region. We also had an extremely wet Spring that made for tough hunting conditions as there was food everywhere and the deer weren't being forced into the irrigated Alfalfa fields which narrows down their food source and makes it easier to pattern them.
We had one Antelope hunter in August claim redemption when he harvested a nice Antelope buck after hunting them last season during the rut and just not getting a good opportunity. Throughout the first several weeks of September and into the Elk and Antelope rut, 7 Antelope hunters took 4 bucks (57% success) and the other hunters had some close encounters that weren't capitalized on with 3 bucks missed according to hunter reports. We had 9 archery elk hunters during September as they took 1 Bull & 4 Cows (55% success). There were also several bulls missed with 2 of the bigger bulls, one from a tree stand at 22 and another big bull missed at 24 yards from the ground. One of the most memorable elk hunting experiences came from when Bill, Elyse, and I were covered up in Elk several days we were out hunting a huge herd. Sometimes we had up to 10-12 bulls chasing and bugling all around us which made for a hunt they won't soon forget! Even though they didn't get a good shot opportunity, it was one of the most exciting experiences they've ever had hunting. Late September produced yet another great buck for a recurve hunter making it two years in a row! His friend that came with him from NJ also arrowed a buck the same day...his first Montana Buck!
October rolled around with warm temps but several nice Whitetail bucks hit the ground. One of the most memorable hunts from October came from a 12 year old, first time bow hunter, named Hunter on his last evening. We sat up on a river crossing trying to catch deer moving past us into the Alfalfa fields well off in the distance. We had several does and a small buck come through early. An hour later we saw movement coming across the river right down the farm road towards our stand. He waited until the buck got behind some trees before drawing and then mouth grunted to stop him in the open at 20 yards. Hunter was a quick learner and took his first buck with a bow here in Montana! Another hunter from Alaska also took his first Whitetail buck with a bow during October!
Late October was the start of firearms season here in which we had 2 Mule deer rifle hunters and our wounded war veteran, Josh, who we donated a hunt to as part of the wounded warrior project. The 2 Mule deer hunters tagged out on the first day as well as Josh did on his whitetail buck! They were also Elk hunting but with the weather being so warm, the Elk were still very high up and we just couldn't get on any throughout that particular week.
November here in Montana usually sees some frigid temps, but the first week and a half was still very warm. We had 2 more Mule deer rifle hunters the first week as they both tagged out on the first day...again! That made our 4 Mule deer hunters for the season 100% success! With the rut just around the corner and the weather soon to change, and I mean drastically, the next few weeks were going to be interesting! November 9th was in the low 60's, the very next day the high's were in the low 20's with lows reaching negative 20's over the next few days! The deer started to move more as the rut started to kick off and the extreme cold and snow forced the Elk down...by the hundreds! It was very difficult for some hunters to endure the sub zero temps but they were starting to see more shooter bucks as the rutting action was picking up. The one morning I had 2 Elk hunters out, it was -23 degrees but they toughed it out all day and both were rewarded with a bull Elk just before dark. We had a Father/Son combo hunt for Elk and deer in which they both took a Bull Elk and a Whitetail Buck! Several other first time Elk hunters took their very first bull elk as well and another hunter filling both his elk and deer tag. During the rifle elk season we had 9 hunters that took 7 bulls (77% success) and numerous cows.
The last week of the season we only had one hunter due to the week of Thanksgiving. But the rut was in full swing and it's usually one of the best times to hunt. Michael from South Carolina came to Montana to see what hunting the Montana river bottoms was all about during the rut. On his second morning he tagged his best Whitetail buck ever as he had one nice 8 point behind him and decided to rattle at the bigger buck that was with a doe out in front of his stand. It didn't take much rattling to get the attention of the bigger buck as he came charging into 15 yards when Mike took the shot and our biggest buck of the season! With several tines broken and part of his left main beam, he still gross scored 142 7/8”, and likely would have surpassed 150” if he would have all his antlers he broke off. An awesome buck and one hunt Mike will never forget!
Despite a slow start to the season, we still had a great year as our overall harvest percentage rate was at 69.7%. With a overall total shot opportunity of 86.4%.
The 2014 photo album is complete so you can check out all the photos from our past hunting seasons. Again we had an great season and thanks for everyone who came to Montana to enjoy Big Sky Country with us this year! The trout fishing was good for those that went fishing during their stay with us and the hunting we experienced alongside our hunters will always be remembered. Hope everyone had a great season and enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed having you with us to share the memories!
For now, we are working at filling the remaining spots for 2015 and getting ready for the Outdoor shows we have scheduled to attend during February and March. Some weeks are already full so if you're interested in booking a 2015 Montana hunt, please contact me ASAP! I have posted openings available on the news page! Call to reserve a week for 2015 if you want to experience some awesome whitetail bow hunting! Looking forward to next year as we continue to get bigger and better here under Big Sky country in Southwestern Montana!
On behalf of Rob and I, Keith, Bob, and Betty, we wanted to thank everyone again for making another season here at Montana Whitetails one we will never forget...!
Thanks for following us through the season and Happy Holidays. Check out some client photos below and see our entire 2014 hunting season photo album in our photo gallery.
Steve Miller
