Quick Tips
- Good optics, lots of glassing clear cuts and burn scars
- Tire chains and a snowmobile may be helpful late in the season depending on snow accumulation
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | N/A | 140"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 300"+ |
On The Ground
Located west of Thompson Falls in northwest Montana, this hunt district includes the majority of the Thompson River drainage. Hunters have the opportunity to hunt elk and deer during the same season with general licenses.
Elk populations are decent, but it can be difficult to find a branch antlered bull. Mule deer numbers have been on the decline and populations are very isolated. Whitetail deer populations are on the rise, especially in the valley.
Terrain
Terrain varies from high subalpine fir meadows to lower alder brush fields and thick forests. This area has several walk-in areas and gated roads closed to motorized vehicles, with some logging roads that are open to motorized use. Harvested timber areas and burn scars can be seen in some larger opening in this unit. The valley bottoms are subdivided with many residential areas.
Roughly 244 square miles
89.4% public land
Elevations from 2,400-7,250 feet
Vegetation
Subalpine meadows and high altitude lakes can be found in higher elevations. Dense forest cover from both trees and brush can be found from mid elevation areas all the way to the valleys. Many streams can be found in this area, with large alder fields typically surrounding these water sources. Some of the tree species in the unit are Douglas fir, engelmann spruce, subalpine fir, grand fir, western larch, lodgepole pine, aspen, cottonwood, ponderosa pine and many different species of brush.
Access
Many well-maintained gravel logging roads can be found throughout the unit. There are some Forest Service trails and many gated logging roads providing access to some of the more remote areas. Later in the season snow can inhibit travel depending on the year.
ATVs can only drive open roads
The main access road into this area is Prospect Creek Road
Camping and Lodging
Thompson Falls is the nearest town and has a couple small hotels. They fill up quickly during hunting season, so book early. Other services in Thompson Falls are gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants. Camping is allowed on public lands, and there are a few established campgrounds and number of dispersed campsites located throughout the unit.
Historical Temperatures
High
Low
Moon Phases
April 2025
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3