Quick Tips
- GPS with landownership maps are useful
- Excellent trout fishing Canyon ferry lake
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Antelope | 65"-70" | 75"+ |
On The Ground
Helena, the capital of Montana is near the northern edge of the hunt district and the community of Townsend lies in the south end. Block Management Areas, BLM and Helena National Forest offer thousands of acres of public land. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks estimates the herd to be close to 300 antelope.
Boone and Crockett lists a few bucks in the record book coming from counties found within this hunt district. Bucks of this caliber are very difficult to find anywhere in Montana. Spend plenty of time glassing a number of bucks before deciding on a specific buck to harvest.
Terrain
The Missouri River flows into Canyon Ferry Lake on the eastern edge. The Elkhorn Mountains are found in the middle of the district with the Spokane Hills in the northeast. The Elkhorn Mountains are steep, covered with thick forests and broken up by deep drainages flowing toward the Missouri River. West of Canyon Ferry Lake are wide open flats that run from Townsend to Winston.
Roughly 436 square miles
51.7% public land
Elevations from 3,800-8,500 feet
Vegetation
River bottoms are thick with willows and groups of cottonwoods. Open flats have sagebrush, buffalo and blue grama grass. As the elevations rise into the foothills pinyon, juniper, groves of aspen and ponderosa pine fill the ridges. The mountain slopes are mixed with spruce, fir, lodgepole and ponderosa pine. Open parks scattered within the mountains have lush grasses through the summer months.
Access
Ten different Block Management Areas have been established in the district. Check current regulations for travel and use restrictions. BLM sections are positioned to take advantage of antelope home ranges east of the Elkhorn Mountians. On the western side of the mountains access is very limited between Montana City and Jefferson City. Helena National Forest and BLM have a road and trail network providing good road access.
Four-wheel drive is recommended during periods of heavy rain or snow
Camping and Lodging
Helena National Forest and BLM lands offer dispersed camping. Townsend has a limited number of motels, café’s, medical facilities and service stations. Helena offers a wide variety of hotels, motels, bed & breakfast, cafés and restaurants, regional medical facilities, airport, and many different gas stations.
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