Montana Upland info?

[bohdi]

I am planning a trip to Montana in late September, I would like to get into some huns and sharp tails. I am thinking of going to the Helana area or heading further east to Livingston or Billings areas. I know there is lots of Block management areas throughout the state, I'm not to worried about finding a place to run the dogs. My concern is finding an area of the state that has good bird numbers. I would pref fur the Helana area as it cuts about three hours off my drive. But if I need to go further for better bird numbers that's top priority. I will be coming from an archery elk hunt on the snake river on the Oregon side, so Ideally someone could give me some insight on an area that's good for camping/hunting, also bringing the fly rods. Thanks for reading!

[jmr12]

Bohdi
If you look up Mt Fish wldlf and parks. Region 4. Diane Boyde is the upland bird biologist. She should be able to help with some numbers for you. She also hunts upland birds. If not, she should have a contact for you.

[Grizwald]

The farther south and east you go the hotter it's been. No rain in months. A lot of the upland habitat has been baked off in the SE part, Billings area and east.
Had a pretty good hatch in June. I saw a number of 10+ bird clutchs. Now their down to 1 or 2 chicks at best. Poor things just cooked.
Areas that got some moisture should be good hunting.

[bohdi]

Thanks for the info guys, Is there any descent bird hunting in the Helana part of the state?

[jmr12]

Never hunted around Helena, more around Conrad for phez. I never really intentionaly hunt huns, but ran into some nice coveys last year, and heard good numbers from other hunters. Usually hunt east of Sunburst Mt. for sharptail.
We get quite a few guys in Conrad from Helena that upland hunt.

[Kiger2]

Bohdi,
where in the snake uniot are you headed? we are going also mid sept.