Quick Tips
- Plan ahead to get access to private lands
- Clarks Fork River offers good fishing
- Use quality optics
- GPS with land ownership overlays recommended
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Antelope | 70"-75" | 80"+ |
On The Ground
This area is east of Deer Lodge along Interstate 90 and north of Butte. Most of the land that holds antelope is privately held, with the exception of Spotted Dog WMA.
Few licenses being allocated mean that the bucks will not have high hunting pressure. Plan your hunt well in advance to gain access to some of the private irrigated farmland.
Terrain
A long valley along the Clark Fork River is broken up by a number of drainages feeding into the river. Open rolling hills, sharp ridges and gentle foothills make for moderate hiking conditions.
Roughly 456 square miles
49.8% public land
Elevations from 4,428-7,540 feet
Vegetation
This area has a lot of irrigated crop fields near the Clark Fork River. There are open areas of grassland and sagebrush, with cottonwoods and willows along the river and creek bottoms. Ridges and foothills are covered by brush and other mountain shrubs along with scattered stands of ponderosa pine.
Access
Most of the antelope are found on private lands. The Spotted Dog Wildlife Management Area provides 37,877 acres of public land which is northeast of Deer Lodge and south of U.S. Highway 12. Eastside Road parallels Interstate 90 from Opportunity to Dempsey. County and secondary roads can become muddy and slick during periods of wet weather.
Spotted Dog WMA details
Camping and Lodging
Deer Lodge offers a variety of lodging, restaurants, café, medical facilities and 24/7 gas and diesel. Camping is not allowed on Spotted Dog WMA.
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