Quick Tips
- Escaping the crowds on the public lands can be difficult
- Land ownership and BLM maps will be beneficial
- Excellent fishing can be found nearby in the MIssouri River, Canyon Ferry Reservoir and Hauser Laker
- Tire chains recommended during periods of heavy snowfall
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 120"-130" | 140"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | N/A | 120"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 260"+ |
On The Ground
This district lies in west central Montana and ecompasses the state capitol of Helena. While the area is largely comprised of private lands hunters can still enjoy some decent access and some very unique opportunities to pursue deer and elk. This area does offer the standard archery and any weapons season it also features a weapons restricted area within the district. In this restricted area deer and elk can only be hunted with archery equipment, shotguns, traditional handguns, muzzleloaders and crossbows. Also unique to this restricted zone is that any of these weapons can be used from the beginning of the general archery season through the end of the any weapons season. It is highly recommended that hunters review the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks regulations before hunting this district as much of the area is closed off to modern center fire rifles.
Not much can be said for this area in terms of trophy potential or big adventures, but with good planning hunters can enjoy a unique hunt nearly within city limits for quick trips during downtimes.
Terrain
The terrain in this district is very diverse and offers some great opportunities for hunters of all types. Starting on the eastern side of the district along the Missouri River the landscape will be very reminiscent of eastern Montana with sparsely covered slopes that provide some excellent glassing areas. As you move into the central portion of the district the land will level out and agricultural areas will begin to take over and provide excellent feed for the deer and elk in the area. The southwest corner of the district will be virtually free of any vegetation other than grasses while the northwest corner will see the area's only major change in elevation with a few steep ridges cloaked in thick stands of timber.
Roughly 196 square miles
13.1% public land
Elevations from 3,700-5,500 feet
Vegetation
As with the terrain the vegetation distribution will vary greatly in this district. In the northwest mature stands of ponderosa pine on the highest ridges that will slowly fade into sage flats. In the southwest corner of the area rolling ridges covered in native grasses and sage will make up nearly all of the vegetation with scattered pockets of ponderosa and juniper bushes being found in some of the draws. The central portion of the district primarily consist of agricultural areas with the exception of river bottoms and the areas surrounding Lake Helena which has cottonwood and russian olive trees. The eastern portion of the district along the banks of the Missouri River has mostly sage, juniper and grasses.
Access
A lot of this district is made up of private lands, but some large expanses of public lands can also be hunted. Most of the public areas will be heavily hunted due in part to the amount of rural roads in the district, but there are a few places hunters can escape the crowds and move in a few miles. In most cases, the best chances for success is found in the central portion of the district of the private agricultural lands, so seeking permission to hunt these areas can be beneficial. There are also a few private lands that participate in Montana’s Block Management Program. Landownership maps can be very beneficial in hunting these areas.
Land ownership and BLM maps recommended
Camping and Lodging
Most of the lodging options are found in Helena and surrounding areas with a few options for RV parking and primitive camping. There are several sporting goods stores located in Helena, as well as places for groceries and other amenities.
Lincoln Road RV Park and Helena Campground and RV Park
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