As I walked past the "entering wilderness" sign with my hunting partner, Zach, I couldn't help but smile. We were going to spend the next few days hunting elk without the sound of old trucks rattling down the road or ATVs zipping up the trail around us. With only our bivvy sacks, sleeping bags and bare essentials, we headed up the mountain knowing that a few miles of designated hiking and elk trails will lead us into the middle of some of the best elk country in the West. Although we knew being in a secluded, natural, and peaceful part of the country would bring us a very gratifying hunt regardless of an elk harvest or not, we had no idea that this would be one of the most memorable hunts we would ever experience.
Zach and I have shared memorable hunts in Montana's wilderness areas. Elk and other big game reside in areas where they feel protected and secure. There are two main types of areas where elk find this security: private lands that are inaccessible for most hunters, or in wilderness areas that are accessible by everyone. Most of the existing wilderness areas are composed of some of the best elk habitat found anywhere in North America - mostly due to preserved natural resources and no disturbance from motorized use.
Wilderness elk
Are you going to work a little bit harder for an elk in a wilderness area? Yes, no doubt about it. But for a dedicated elk hunter, the rewards are worth it. People who have harvested the many tremendous elk in wilderness will all say: "Get farther from the road, and you will find more elk and a better opportunity to bring home the long-sought-after trophy."
The morning of the third day, we trekked up the mountain in search of a big bull we had seen the previous day. In the quiet, we heard a bull in the distance. We stealthily headed for the patch of timber right below timberline. As we crept though the timber, I spotted an elk walking in our direction. Zach zeroed in. At the shot, the entire forest erupted with elk. A short track job later, Zach and I were sitting next to the largest public-land elk kill that I have ever been a part of.
Beneficial legislation
After an in-depth reading of the Forest Jobs and Recreation Act (introduced by U.S. Sen. Jon Tester), I was amazed at how beneficial it is for the diverse groups of Montanans that use our treasured forests. As an avid elk hunter, I believe the designation of more wilderness areas would enhance the possibility of future generations to be able to enjoy the same great elk hunting that I've cherished for years.
Designate wilderness areas, reduce road density, and provide areas where all motorized use is allowed. As far as I can tell, this bill is catering to all types of hunting. All Montanans who enjoy hunting and want to share the same experience with their kids and grandkids should support it, too.
The only thing better than spending this quality time with a friend in the wilderness will be when the two of us get spend time with our kids in these very same wilderness areas we have had the privilege to enjoy.
Matt Clyde owns a business in Bozeman and has been a Montana hunter for about 20 years.
