Some big moose live in this area bordering Montana and located in the St. Joe River drainage.

Moose numbers are much lower here than in the northern Panhandle. A combination of dense cover, few moose tags and a lot of rough terrain has resulted in tough hunting but some big bulls. A high percentage of bulls have antlers spreading 40-46”.

This area is in the Bitterroot Mountains. The St. Joe Wild and Scenic River divides the unit, dropping in altitude about 2,500 feet. Much of the terrain is steep, especially along the St. Joe River and the Montana line. South of the St. Joe River are the Sister peaks trio, East Sister, Middle Sister and West Sister. Along the Montana divide are some peaks that are more than 7,300 feet above sea level. Some of their high points are just across the border, but the main peaks are Eagle Peak, Little Joe Mountain, Lost Peak, Illinois Peak and Gold Crown Peak.

Pines, firs, cedars, hemlocks and spruces cover the land except for some burns, meadows, brushy river bottoms and rocky areas. Many of the south slopes have been burned in forest fires, but most of the burned areas already have trees growing among the standing and toppled charred trunks. A lot of the private land has been logged recently and large areas are devoid of tall trees. Some of these logged areas are full of saplings and brush for moose.

Much terrain on both sides of the river has been logged and has many logging roads and skid trails. A lot of them are capable of handling full-size vehicles, others are closed to motor vehicles and some are open to motorcycles or ATVs. Pick up a travel map at the Avery office of the St. Joe National Forest.

More than a dozen campgrounds are in the St. Joe River area. The Forest Service provides details online. Some hunters camp along roads on public land. Cabins by the Joe and RV Park offers cabins and RV parking.