Quick Tips
- GPS with landowner maps are helpful
- Carry bear spray on National Forest
- Be prepared for sudden weather changes
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-140" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-120" | 140"+ |
| Elk | 280"-300" | 330"+ |
On The Ground
This district includes portions of Custer Gallatin National Forest and Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area. Two thirds of the district is privately held by large ranches owners making access difficult. Elk herds are found on National Forest lands a good portion of the year moving to private lands when faced by hunting pressure or heavy snow. Whitetails favor private lands and mule deer are found throughout the district.
Bulls can be found in the National Forest and Lee Metcalf Wilderness. Mule deer are found throughout the entire district with some never leaving private ranches and others spending their summers on the Madison Range and moving lower during the fall. Whitetails hang are on the creek and river bottoms on private lands.
Terrain
Gallatin Peak reaches over 11,000 feet with a number of 10,000 foot peaks creating a dynamic alpine landscape. Spanish Peak drainage that start out near timberline and tumble through steep rocky canyons before flowing into the Gallatin River. North of the Madison Range the land is broken up by creeks, mountain peaks and the Madison Plateau.
Roughly 530 square miles
14% public land
Elevation from 4,800-11,000
Vegetation
The higher elevations have alpine tundra with acres of wildflowers during the summer months. Moss, lichens with barren ground willows surround small snowmelt filled lakes. Mountain slopes are densely covered with fir, spruce, ponderosa and lodgepole pine. South facing parks have mountain shrubs, short grasses and groves of aspen. Below the mountain peaks the mountains yield to broad valleys with stands of cottonwoods and willows along the Madison River. The Gallatin River is lined with pines and spruce until it opens up into a broad valley near Gallatin Gateway.
Access
Gallatin National Forest along with the Lee Metcalf, Spanish Peaks Wilderness has a number of trailheads off of the Gallatin River along U.S. Highway 191. U.S. Highway 287 offers access from the west to Forest Service roads leading into the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. Once in the National Forest or the wilderness, miles of maintained trails lead deep into the backcountry. Large sections of private lands and increased development can make it difficult to gain access to creek bottoms.
Camping and Lodging
Custer Gallatin National Forest including Lee Metcalf Wilderness allow camping in a dispersed area for up to 16 days. Bozeman is a regional center with a large choice of lodging, café and restaurants, a large medical facility, regional airport and 24/7 gas and diesel along Interstate 90. Three Forks, Ennis and Manhattan offer a smaller choice of motels, bed/breakfasts and river view lodges, cafés, gas and diesel.
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