Quick Tips
- Get private access prior to planning a hunt here
- Great fishing on the East Gallatin
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-140" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-120" | 140"+ |
| Elk | 260"-280" | 300"+ |
On The Ground
This district is known as the Gallatin Valley Weapons Restriction Area. This area includes the suburban areas around Bozeman, Gallatin Gateway and Belgrade. Most of this district is private land and access is often very difficult to obtain. Legal weapons in this district include archery, shotgun, muzzleloader, traditional handgun and crossbows can be used at any time during the general season. There are a lot of whitetails in this district and every year some nice bulls are killed near town in this restricted area.
This area is popular among local bowhunters with private access because of the long season. Trophy bulls are sometimes taken in this district on the south side of Bozeman near Hyalite Canyon and on the north side of the district west of the Bridger Mountains on private lands. Hunting permission in this district is difficult to obtain even for locals. State lands on the Gallatin River have become popular for archery whitetail hunters.
Terrain
This district is made up of the beautiful Gallatin Valley which is very flat and has roads everywhere. River bottom country makes up the bulk of game habitat.
Roughly 173 square miles
4.5% public land
Elevations from 4,300-6,100 feet
Vegetation
The primary vegetation in this area consists of cottonwood and willow river bottoms with adjacent croplands. Most of this district is comprised of urban and suburban developments.
Access
Public access in this district is very poor. There are a few state sections near the river bottoms that can offer decent whitetail hunting, but most of the game inhabited area in this district is private, and typically very close to housing developments.
Secure access before planning on hunting here
Camping and Lodging
Most people that hunt this district are locals and take up lodging at their home. If you are planning on hunting this area and do not live nearby there are many hotels in Bozeman and Belgrade within the district.
Historical Temperatures
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Moon Phases
April 2025
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