We're still getting by in Montana. The snow has finally started showing up, but it's been minimal compared to Leadville. They have been getting pounded and have a couple feet on the ground already. The snow in Helena has been smaller storms that melt within a day.
I've been able to get out and look at some country from my truck where I'll bowhunt whitetails next November. I also got out of the office for a few days a week ago and we constructed a temporary bridge for Carbon County just south of Billings. The state owns enough parts to construct several Bailey Bridges. It was something I had never done and it was in some nice looking cottonwood riverbottoms.
The area had quite a few turkeys and whitetail deer, but its all private and unlikely I can get permission, not to mention its at least a 3 hr drive. I did see two or three flocks there and one flock in the pine ridges above the area. I also saw a flock of birds closer to Helena in riverbottom country along the Yellowstone River. More than likely I'll be hunting turkeys 6 hrs away on the far southeast corner, but I may be able to find some private land that is a little closer.
The birds close by are few and far between even though it looks like good country. The permit here is limited and unlikely that I'll try to draw it since the birds are so few.
Here are some photos I've taken over the last few week.
Muleys in the front yard.
Cottonwood riverbottoms I glassed for whitetails. I was able to spot one really good buck cruising for does, but this little guy is all I got photos of.
Bailey Bridge was built on an appropriately named road.
Cottonwoods where I saw flock of turkeys.
Ridges above where I saw a flock of turkeys.
Yellowstone River