Quick Tips
- Do some research before applying for this unit; the moose numbers are very poor
- Bring good optics even though most of the unit is forested and be prepared to get the animal out of the woods in short order
- Maps showing land ownership will be useful
- You are adjacent to the park and in known grizzly bear habitat, so hunt with a buddy and pack bear spray
On The Ground
This unit is located in southwest Montana with the south border being the Idaho, Montana state line and the east boundary being Yellowstone National Park boundary. Hebgen Lake is in this unit as well as West Yellowstone.
This unit historically was a great moose unit with quality bulls but with the reintroduction of wolves and numerous grizzly bears, this unit may not be worth applying for. Moose numbers are at an all time low and the locals feel there should be no moose tags in this unit.
Terrain
The locals call this unit the flats. From Hebgen Lake to the Yellowstone National Park line this unit is flat and mostly covered with trees. To the south of West Yellowstone is a high plateau and it is also covered with timber. There are numerous open meadows throughout both areas.
Roughly 74 square miles
75.2% public land
Elevations from 6,500-8,100 feet
Vegetation
The flats are forested with lodgepole pine and the understory is grass and forbs. The Madison River valley and the creeks running through this area are lined with willows. The plateau to the south is also covered with timber and has had logging in the past.
Access
A majority of the unit is national forest lands but there are numerous small parcels of private ground. There are forest service roads all through the unit and along the park boundary. Much of the hunting is done from a vehicle or an ATV.
ATVs may be extremely useful
Most of this unit can be hunted without much physical effort, the plateau has some areas that require hiking to access
Highways 191 and 20 will get you access to the majority of the unit
Camping and Lodging
There are numerous places to camp in this unit and several campgrounds along Hebgen Lake, bring your fishing pole. West Yellowstone is in the unit and has several motels, restaurants and gas stations. The entrance to Yellowstone Park is here, take some time and explore.
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