At a Glance
296Square Miles
89.2%Public Land
5,000 - 8,400Elevation Range
Quick Tips
- GPS and topo maps useful
- Great trout fishing in Rock Creek
Hunters report that Hunt District 216 in Montana offers a challenging yet rewarding experience, with terrain varying from thick timber to open meadows, making it essential to understand local geography and game movement patterns. Seasonality plays a key role, with elk activity peaking during specific times, so timing your hunt around these periods could increase success rates. While draw odds might be competitive, persistent scouting and adaptability can enhance the likelihood of a successful hunt. Many highlight the importance of preparation and familiarizing yourself with the terrain to navigate its diverse landscapes effectively.
This district sits in portions of Granite and Missoula Counties and has it beginning at Skalkaho Pass along Montana Route 38 then heads north following the Sapphire Mountains. Thousands of acres of public lands are provided by Lolo and Deerlodge National Forest, BLM and hundreds of acres on Bohrnsen Ranch and Black Pine Ridge Block Management Areas. Mule deer, elk and whitetail deer are found within the National Forest and Block Management Areas.
Whitetails like the river and creeks bottoms made up of Upper Willow, Ranch and Rock Creeks. The mature bucks have home ranges and core areas that they use on a daily basis. Scout looking for heavy cover, travel corridors and feeding areas then be patient. Bulls like isolated places that provide cool cover, ample water and large amounts of forage.