Quick Tips
- Be in good physical condition
- Bring good optics
- This is grizzly country, so be bear aware and keep your camp clean
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 160"-175" | 180"+ |
On The Ground
This district is on the east front of the Rocky Mountains in northwest Montana. It is southwest of Choteau and northwest of Augusta. This district is known as Castle Reef and this is a unique and distinct landmark that you will remember forever. It is big beautiful steep rocky bighorn sheep country.
Historically this district was known for having good quality sheep and many of Montana’s early sheep transplants came from this genetic stock. Today these sheep are struggling and the herd is only 50% of its historic levels. Disease and little to no lamb recruitment are hurting this population.
Terrain
The Rocky Mountains jut up almost vertically out of the prairie. They are extremely steep and rocky with huge rock walls and cliffs throughout the district. Most of the mid slope elevations are timbered with numerous open parks. There are numerous steep side canyons.
Roughly 69 square miles
35.7% public land
Elevation from 2,000-3,000 feet
Vegetation
The prairie is mainly grasslands and the lower foothills have some cedars and junipers on the broken benches. The lower elevations lead up to the timbered slopes that are mostly fir and pine. There are numerous vertical rocky cliffs. There are lots of open parks scattered throughout the district and are mostly grass and forbs that the sheep feed on.
Access
There is good road access into this district from Augusta to Gibson Reservoir. The trailheads into the district take off from here into the sheep country. There are Forest Service trails throughout the district but it is big, steep rocky country.
Hiking will be strenuous; it is all very steep and rocky country
Highway 287 will get you to Sun River Road and to the trailheads
Camping and Lodging
There are numerous places to camp throughout this district. It is possible to camp at the trailhead and day hunt this district or horseback or backpack into some of the remote areas and camp in sheep country. It is also possible to stay at a motel in Augusta and drive to the trailheads and day hunt. Augusta has motels, gas and restaurants.
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