Quick Tips
- This unit can be very physically demanding, prepare for steep mountainous terrain
- Bear spray, good raingear and good optics are a must
- Limited cell phone coverage
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-150" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-120" | 140"+ |
| Elk | 260"-280" | 310"+ |
On The Ground
Located just north of Bozeman, Hunt District 312 provides many different hunting opportunities in diverse terrain features. Within the unit there is a draw mule deer area unit 312-50, and other areas hunters can hunt with general deer and elk licenses.
Within Hunting District 312 lies HD 312-50, which is a special mule deer draw area. Elk populations are good, but lacking in size class on the public land with very few bulls harvested every season. There are some very good whitetail bucks in this district with most on private land, but some can be found on public.
Terrain
This unit has many different terrain features. The highest peaks are above tree line with limited vegetation, and the rest of the unit is much more gradual with rolling hills, creek bottoms and open agriculture fields. The Bridger Mountain Range is very steep with limited road access, and contains a ski resort on the eastern edge of the unit.
Roughly 495 square miles
23.3% public land
Elevations from 4,000-9,665 feet
Vegetation
The upper elevations of this unit are above tree line and consist of alpine grasses and many rock outcroppings. Middle elevations have some whitebark pine, subalpine fir and Douglas fir. The valley floors are a mix of Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine and juniper trees. In some of the wetter areas there are aspen and cottonwood trees. The valley bottom has many agriculture fields with cottonwood trees in the creek and river bottoms. The drier areas in the valley will consist of sagebrush and juniper trees.
Access
The Bridger Mountains on the eastern side of the unit provide very good public access, with gated logging roads, forest service trails and access points off of county roads. The rest of the unit has poor access, most of the land is private and obtaining permission is difficult. There are very few parcels of public land that are accessible by county road on the western portion of the unit.
ATVs are not a necessity in this unit
Camping and Lodging
Most hunters typically stay in Bozeman and there are plenty of accommodations. Numerous lodging options, restaurants, sporting goods stores and gas stations are in town.
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April 2025
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