Western Montana

[Luke WL.]

Hey All. I dont expect to get any concrete answers but some insight would be great. I am a photographer that lives in Islamorada (florida keys) and travel a bunch for work. I have spent a bunch of time in western montana and was lucky enough to recently be able to purchase a bit of land just west of Trout Creek. Mostly plan on big game but I have recently started waterfowl hunting. I am wondering how the hunting out that way is? Can you hunt Noxon Res? I am planning on being out there late August thru end of October but can extend that a bit if it would be worth it. I do have a creek and a bit of marsh on my property, hoping I will get lucky and have ducks on it!

[Luke WL.]

Let me try something else. Is there a chapter of DU nearby? Does anyone like free beer and lobster? I'm driving up from the keys late August and would love to grill up a few Florida lobster and drink a few beers if I can ask some general questions. I feel like it will be very different from Florida.

[huntfishnv]

I'm sure there will be birds around your place for at least part of the hunting season. Only problem is there is about 20 different trout creeks in Montana, are you referring to the one that is a tributary to the Bitteroot?

[Luke WL.]

Trout creek is the name of the town. It is just west of Thompson falls (north/central west Montana). Looking for people to hunt with as well! I just got a puppy I am training, I doubt she will be full hunt ready this season but I will be working her a bit.

[benelliboym2]

Their are ducks around Tompson Falls

[Luke WL.]

I'll be out there in a few weeks and plan on putting up some wood duck boxes... is end of may too late to do that?

[tealdog]

I think that you'll be on the late side for putting up boxes. But it doesn't hurt to try. And they will be plenty early for next spring!

[Luke WL.]

Loading the boat and truck up this week. Cleaning and re rigging decoys. Getting everything in line and hitting the road at the end of the month. Anyone seeing any birds moving around yet? I know there is no early teal out there but getting excited anyway! I guess I'll have to fill my time with getting me elk and deer during archery until waterfowl opens!

[406LIFE]

I've seen a lot of Canadas moving in. Not much in the way of ducks yet. Some coots, but mostly small groups of 5 or so. I expect to see more in the next 2 weeks.

[bttrym8]

Loading the boat and truck up this week. Cleaning and re rigging decoys. Getting everything in line and hitting the road at the end of the month. Anyone seeing any birds moving around yet? I know there is no early teal out there but getting excited anyway! I guess I'll have to fill my time with getting me elk and deer during archery until waterfowl opens!

Hey Luke, I'm brand new to Missoula myself. Came in from Oklahoma on Friday and will be scouring the area for ducks/geese. Any chance you'd want to meet up and we can try to figure out the area? Ha!


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[bttrym8]

I also have a 5 year old Seasoned level black lab so I can supply the pup!


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[Luke WL.]

Yea, shoot me a dm. I have two buddies coming up for opener but i'll be scouting alone and hunting most of october by myself so always down to meet other hunters. I am picking my pup up sept 29th, she will be 10 months but has been at the trainer all summer. Im sure she will need lots of work still but cant wait to watch her work!

[jstrong921]

Luke, I hunt around your area. Let me know if you'd like some direction. I don't always have someone to hunt with so maybe we can arrange a hunt. I have a 16' jet boat and more gear than I can haul.