Quick Tips
- Hunt the public land on the edges of large private ranches
- Book an outfitter for a quality experience
- Bring a fly rod and fish the many excellent rivers and streams
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 120"-140" | 150"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-120" | 140"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 310"+ |
On The Ground
This district is comprised of the eastern slope of the Big Belt Mountain Range and private lands in the west-central part of the state. Highway 12 marks the southern end of the district and Two Creek on the north boundary with the Big Belt Hydrological Divide making up the western boundary. The majority of elk in this district live on private land year round, although portions of Helena National Forest on the eastern slope of the Big Belts do hold elk. This is a general district so the harvest of deer and elk is largely controlled by private landowners and outfitters. Outfitters in the Dry Range take trophy bulls every year. This is not a good district for the DIY hunter.
This district is a great place for someone looking to book a quality private land elk hunt. The private foothills east of the Big Belt Mountains produce trophy quality bulls. The public land elk and deer hunting is tough, but can be productive for the hunter willing to backpack in and can use a GPS. Elk tend to be more accessible to the public early in the archery season, by the rifle season they are almost entirely on private land.
Terrain
The western boundary of this district follows the top of the Big Belt Range and stretches easterly down to the foothills and farmlands leading to the Smith River and Highway 89 on the eastern boundary. Elevations range from around 9,000 ft at the top of the Big Belts down to around 5,000 ft in the town of White Sulphur Springs. Elk concentrate in the private foothills near quality agricultural feed and good water sources. The prime elk and deer habitat is big rolling foothill country with wooded drainages and open grassy hillsides.
Roughly 581 square miles
23.5% public land
Elevation from 4,600-9,500 feet
Vegetation
The high country of this district is comprised of dense Douglas fir and ponderosa pine forest broken up by the occasional grassy meadow. From the heads of each drainage and east all the way down into farm country there is abundant water within the brushy creek beds. As you drop down into the foothills it turns into more open range grasslands and willow creek beds, eventually giving way to irrigated farmlands and cattle pastures in the bottom.
Access
Public access is very poor in this district. There are only 4 public roads providing access to the entire east side of the Big Belt Mountains, although you can access from the west as well. Private landowners control most of the access to deer and elk habitat. The Block Management Program is improving access to private land in this area. A strong backpacker can hike into very remote country on the east side of the Big Belts, due to road restrictions these remote areas of public land can produce good hunting opportunity for the hunter willing to put forth the effort.
Private access is strongly recommended
Camping and Lodging
White Sulphur Springs is the hub for lodging and supplies in this district. The local bars can also be a good place to make friends with a landowner, or get some good information from local hunters. There are several good campgrounds in the area around White Sulphur and along Highway 12 on the south end of the district. Backpack style camps in the Helena National Forest are also a great option with lots of available water.
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