Looking to be in the NW Montana area the first week of May, prob. chasing bears. Can anybody give a a roundabout on the weather that time of year?
Beautiful in May. Maybe a bit wet, but should be in the 60's.
I live in Missoula, probably south of where you'll be. May in Montana can be anything from cold and wet to warm and gorgeous.
Typically, it is very nice by then.
Sorry to be kind of wishy-washy, but it is hard to know what it will be like. Normally up high in the mountains there is still quite a bit of snow, but at lower elevations the bears will definitely be out.
Keep us posted on details.
Ron
I lived in NW Montana for six years. You will like it there anytime of year but bears in May is great.
I'm expecting pretty variable and unpredictable weather but looking forward to going west this spring. I'm looking at the Bob Marshall wilderness, probably more so because the hiker in me wants to see it but I'm getting the feeling that more north-west of the Bob may be better hunting. Being from the east its easier to plan a hunt out west in documented access points, such as the Bob provides. I'm a little worried about the lack of logging roads in the wilderness though. Makes me wonder how I'll find the bears.
Otheer thing you might want to get info on is the Griz activity in the area you are gonna hunt.
Just a thought.
So I no doubt have a healthy fear and respect of the Griz but how much of a threat do they pose in the area? With Glacier nearby and the amount of people that make it through there I feel like despite the griz being present it is a manageable threat. Perhaps I'm wrong though. What are some thoughts on them and should I avoid Bob Marshall all together because of the population?
i have lived in and hunted the exact area you wonder about my whole short life, griz are present but not worth freakin out over,just give em space. and have a sidearm or bear spray or both. weather should be perfect hunting temps with a little rain. could snow a little too. outskirts of bob are awesome for bear. lots of spot and stalk opertunities on logging roads. i like to use a preditor call and bring em in close, but only when i can see em the whole time due to the griz in that area. beatifull color phase bears in a couple areas. it is what i look forward to all winter long.if your interested i may be able to send you in the right direction?
Sent you a pm dot - much appreciated.