Quick Tips
- Elk will move out early so archery season is the best hunt
- Great fishing, bear hunting, and moose hunting in the Big Hole Valley
- Be prepared for winter weather in early seasons
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 120"-130" | 150"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-120" | 120"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 280"+ |
On The Ground
This district is located in the far southwest corner of Montana, stretching west from the Big Hole Valley to the Continental Divide and Montana-Idaho border. The area is comprised of mountainous public land and large private ranches at the lower elevations and foothills.
This district is offers ample opportunity for public land hunting. Due to the elevation of the Beaverhead Mountains and western Big Hole Valley, the elk migration has a major effect on hunt quality in the area. Good numbers of elk summer in the Big Hole Valley and mountains along the Idaho border and are often still there during the archery season. At the first onset of winter the majority of elk in this district will migrate west towards the lower elevations near Salmon, Idaho. Great mule deer genetics can produce a trophy buck from time to time in the more remote basins of the Beaverhead Mountains.
Terrain
The Big Hole Valley floor in this district is over 6,000 feet in elevation and rises west towards the Continental Divide in the rugged Beaverhead range. The lower elevations and foothills are made up of large grassy meadows and wetlands, while the mountainous regions are steep, timbered, rocky, and rugged.
Roughly 787 square miles
63% public land
Elevations from 5,900-10,600 feet
Vegetation
The vegetation in this district is highly diverse, and in the summer months this is one of the brightest and most lush areas in western Montana. The lower elevations are a mix of farm fields and cattle pastures, wetlands and prairies. The upper elevations are dense pine and douglas fir forest with many bright green grassy meadows and varieties of wildflowers and berries throughout.
Access
Public access in the Beaverhead range is excellent. The private lands in the lower elevations of the Big Hole Valley are very restricted to public access. There are Forest Service roads leading up just about every main drainage in the mountain range. Some areas of the Beaverhead range have restrictions for ATVs creating more of a backpack hunt environment.
Tire chains recommended even during archery season as winter storms can hit without warning
Camping and Lodging
This district is well suited for a backcountry style camp. Day hunting from a camper or tent at the trailhead is common, as well as backcountry style horse camps and backpack camps. For those that wish to day hunt from town there are two options in Jackson and Wisdom. Lodging as well as limited supplies are available in both of these small towns.
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