Quick Tips
- Physical conditioning prior to the hunt can make traversing the terrain much easier
- Land ownership maps, both paper and electronic, can be very beneficial when navigating the lands along the river and lake
- Tire chains recommended as this area can experience heavy snowfall
- Canoes and other watercraft can be very beneficial for accessing lands along the river later in the year
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 160"-165" | 170"+ |
On The Ground
This district is found in the extreme northwest corner of Montana and lies along both the Idaho and Canadian borders. This is vast, intimidating, and largely unexplored country that is sure to provide adventure for any lucky tag applicants. While this hunt can get much easier as the rut approaches, hunters will still need to be in great shape with a high probability of some bruiser hikes in store. Very few permits are given in this area, which will lead to incredibly low pressure and a good opportunity at a nice ram, by Montana standards.
Many of Montana’s good sheep units become easily overshadowed by the more sought after trophy units, including this one. Populations are doing great despite some scattered predator problems that haven't made an enormous impact. Great rams can be found with enough effort, success rates are excellent.
Terrain
This district features some of the most rugged country around is sure to test the physical limits of any hunter. While the time of the season can certainly make a large impact on the exerted effort a hunter should expect to experience, it is advised to be prepared for anything. Often times, the big rams will require some extra work. From the valley floors along the Kootenai River and Lake Koocanusa, the ridges rise steeply and climb rapidly. Heavily forested areas will dominate the landscape for all but the highest elevations, where some scattered scree slopes can be found.
Roughly 1,253 square miles
91.9% public land
Elevations from 2,000–6,500 feet
Vegetation
This district will have a large variety of vegetation that changes depending on elevations. In some of the highest areas, subalpine fir can be found in more open basins of natural grasses. As the elevation decreases, large mature stands of douglas fir, red fir, lodgepole, tamarack, and white pine will be found with periodic patches of dense ground cover. In the mid-elevation areas look for an increasing amount of ponderosa pines to become visible, as well as the cedar in the more moist areas. Down along the valley floors cedar will dominate marshy areas, along with devil's club and impassable areas of alder and mountain maple.
Access
With this district being comprised almost entirely of publicly accessible lands, hunters will not have to worry too much about private land boundaries unless hunting along the water sources down low. Logging has been a very important part of this area's economy and because of this many roads can be found leading into the backcountry, though the hiking can still be difficult. Most of the peaks will have hiking trails leading into them, but due to the remoteness they may not be entirely clear or livestock accessible without a lot of preliminary work. During the rut while the sheep are found along the river, a canoe or raft can prove very effective for access options.
Main roads of access will include Highway 2, Highway 37, Kootenai River Road, Yaak River Road, and Libby Dam Road
Land ownership maps can be useful for navigating the lands along the river and lake
Canoes or rafts can be very useful for access during the late season
Tire chains recommended as this area typically experiences heavy snowfall
Camping and Lodging
Modern lodging can be found in the towns of Libby and Troy along the southern border, as well as primitive camping options throughout the unit. Some sporting goods and gear can be found in Libby but it may be necessary to procure these items prior to the hunt. Groceries and other amenities can be found in Libby or Troy.
Modern lodging can be found in the towns of Libby and Troy
Sporting goods can be purchased in Libby
Primitive camping permitted for up to 14 days on state owned and Forest Service lands
Great fishing can be found on the Kootenai River and Lake Koocanusa
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