Finally in a position to move. House is sold. I’m looking for any helpful info on relocating. Initially I was looking into Wyoming but I can’t find anything suitable in my price range. I prefer a cabin or property in a mountainous part of the state. I continually read that Montana is turning into a liberal state. I don’t want my new home to turn into my old one (NJ). Should I be looking at another state? I’m an avid hunter, fisherman and trapper. What part of the state has the most variety of (huntable populations) game? Most of my research says the game populations are falling in the NW part of the state. I guess that’s wolves at work?? I love to predator hunt so bears and wolves are welcome neighbors. I’m not a fan of people so I don’t want to be near a population center. People generally suck....at least around here they do. I have a pension so I don’t need a job so that isn’t a factor. I’m hoping to fly out in May to check some properties and maybe piggyback a little bear hunting onto the trip if the weather cooperates. Thanks

Hunter this state needs more people like you to move here instead of the Anti whackos. Montana has a little bit of everything, Mountains, Grasslands and sagebrush plains. I can't decide which I prefer the most as all of it has something to offer. I live alongside the Yellowstone River near Miles City area. Not the type of terrain I grew up in (Rocky Mountains Colorado) but I sure like it here. I would suggest somewhere in the middle of the state that way you can travel to your destinations in each direction.

Join up in the MTA, we have a terrific magazine and lots of members submit pictures. You might see the area that speaks to you.

http://www.montanatrappers.org/membership.htm

^ this what Cathouse Jim said. Middle of the state you have best the MT offers that way. If it where me I would live in Lewistown. I'm very close to there and really has it all in any direction you go and have the best in any outdoor sport you can think of.

Great info guys. Thank you. Keep it coming

If Minnesota keeps on making more Gun Laws I will be right behind you. SD, WY or MT. I have connections in them all.

Hunter, MT is awesome and big. I would stay away from Missoula area or for that matter any of the big cities. The Northwest part of the state is steep and timbered but have lots of critters to chase. Maybe the elk and deer numbers are down but I like people to think that so I don't have as much competition. If you get after it you can still get into great hunting, trapping and fishing.

The anti gun, anti trapping, liberal politicians killed this state (NJ). It doesn’t feel like the same state I grew up in. I want to move to Free America

Sounds like you would fit right in Trout Cr. area

MT is not turning into a lib state.

No more than Alaska is.

There are no cities in the state, only larger towns.

Like any state in the US, there are pockets of distasteful thinking, but also true western values as well among them, , even in those few areas.... just as Alaska and other western states.

The shrill screaming of a few tends to over ride the quieter majority .

As mentioned , this state is so vast and with varied habitat, you will first need to assess your economic endurance, what you like in environmental choice, and last, take time to visit the area in summer and winter.

If you are swayed by the negative easily, no state will suffice to perfection, and you will be paralyzed in making a decision that you later wish that you had dove into years ago.

Travel , look, see, meet real people in the areas of your interest. When you experience the kind of habitat you like, listen to your gut, and go from there.

Better stick to Wyoming price range on housing in a lot of Montana is pretty spendy.
Hope the best for you

I’m gonna be a Debbie Downer.

MT is screwed and I think it’s gonna happen in my lifetime. I fear it’s just a case of the little Dutch boy with his finger in the dike. We’re just 30 years behind CO.

The lefties are, and will, ruin “the West”.

Idaho Panhandle is awesome too!

I have to agree it is getting closer each year. I hate to say but it really is.

Good info in this thread. Thank you

Stay away from Missoula, as mentioned. Bozeman used to be a nice place, it is now getting to be similar to Missoula except it is now the most expensive place to buy a home in the state. I think the Lewistown area would be a great fit for you.

I don't even live there and I agree about Missoula !! NOT where you want to be.

Yep

Western Montana and Eastern Montana are a lot like Southern California and Northern California. The liberal thinking west is doing its best to impose its will on the entire state. They have the population centers with the exception of Billings so Eastern Montana is in trouble. If you like remote get east of Billings or up on the highline.

I too, moved to Montana from the east coast to escape political persecution back in 1991. Montana is amazing! There is a growing environmentalist movement here, no doubt. But the people that call this a liberal state have probably never lived in Massachusetts. This is still a conservative state, comparatively speaking and you will be amazed Hunter, at the freedoms you will experience compared to where you are from. Get out now, would be my advice to you. Real estate is not cheap in Montana though.

I have lived in Montana my whole life except 4 yrs army
Montana is poverty with a view I wish you well sir.
But come with eyes wide open you be fine.