Quick Tips
- Competition will be heavy but savvy hunters can escape the crowds
- Land ownership maps, both paper and electronic, are highly recommended
- Tire chains recommended as this area can experience large snow drifts
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 120"-150" | 170"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | N/A | 130"+ |
| Elk | 260"-300" | 300"+ |
On The Ground
This hunting district is found in east central Montana and on the northern side of Miles City. This area is checkerboarded with state, BLM, and private lands making access difficult, yet many ranches are enrolled in Montana’s Block Management program providing hunters access to private lands. Hunters will find good trophy potentials on mule deer and whitetail with the average elk generally taken being considered a raghorn. Competition will be stiff, but the game numbers are large, and the savvy hunter will find little problem in filling a tag. Elk hunting for branch antlered bulls is done with a permit only on the south western corner of the district yet spikes and cows can be taken on a general tag unit wide.
This district is seeing some great deer after rebounding from several harsh winters, and an EHD breakout in recent years. Hunters numbers are on the rise but the crowds can still be avoided and a great hunt can still be had.
Terrain
This hunting district, like most in the east, is almost entirely flat with shallow couless found intermixed across the vast landscape. Periodically, rocky rimmed coulees can be encountered giving hunters excellent cover to stalk unweary animals. Traversing the terrain will be very easy for most hunters will very little elevation gain or loss.
Roughly 7,224 square miles
18.2% public land
Elevations from 2,400–3,000 feet
Vegetation
For the most part, native vegetation found in this area will be almost entirely comprised of grasses, sage, and periodic juniper patches. Along the Yellowstone RIver and riparian areas cottonwoods will be found providing excellent whitetail habitat. Agricultural development, predominantly hay fields, will be found interspersed throughout the unit providing great feed to the available game.
Access
This biggest issue hunters will encounter will be navigating the checkerboarded lands split between private, state owned, and BLM. It is highly recommended that hunters get land ownership maps from the Forest Service, BLM, or for their GPS. The hunters who have this information at their fingertips are the ones who will not drive by a great opportunity. Many private lands found within this district also participate in Montana’s BMA program which ensures public access to private lands. Copies of these maps and regulations can be picked up from any Fish Wildlife & Parks office.
Main roads of access will include Interstate 94, Highway 59, Highway 12 and Highway 200
It is recommended that hunters procure forest service, BLM, or GPS land ownership maps prior to the hunt
Tire chains recommended as this area typically experiences large snow drifts
Camping and Lodging
Several forms of lodging, both modern and primitive, can be found throughout this district and primarily in the towns of Jordan and Miles City. Primitive camping is permitted on state or BLM lands for up to 14 days. The closest sporting good store will be found in Miles City though it may be necessary to meet gear needs prior to the hunt.
Modern lodging can be found in the towns of Jordan and Miles City
Sporting goods can be purchased in Miles City
Primitive camping permitted for up to 14 days on state owned and BLM lands
Great fishing can be found on the Yellowstone River
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