Quick Tips
- Grizzlies are prevalent in this area, a sidearm or spray is recommended
- Clean campsites are a must when camping in bear country
- GPS, Maps, or a compass are highly recommended
- Off trail/road travel can be difficult due to vegetation and terrain steepness
On The Ground
This hunting district is found in the extreme northwest corner of the state and features some incredible scenery and bear hunting. This region, commonly referred to as “the Yaak” is densely vegetated, making glassing nearly impossible in some areas. The area mainly consists of publicly accessible lands, with plenty of areas for backcountry hunters to get lost. A fairly large population of grizzly bears will be found here and proper precautions will need to be exercised.
Bear hunting has been great in this area for years thanks to a high population density and plenty of food sources to grow large animals.
Terrain
The terrain found in this hunting district can be a limiting factor for some. The ridges climb sharply from the valley floors and top out in high reaching summits. Fortunately, logging activity used to be very heavy in this area, giving hunters the opportunity to use some of the closed logging roads to easily access some of the hard to reach areas. Still, those looking to hunt truly remote country should expect a massive amount of energy and effort to access these areas.
Roughly 1,418 square miles
90% public land
Elevations range from 2,200-7,600 feet
Vegetation
Vegetation encountered in this area will be of a wide array and generally in very thick patches. Lodgepole, White Pine, Tamarack, Spruce, and Ponderosa Pine will all be encountered in abundance, with subalpine fir being found in many of the high elevation areas. Throughout most of the elevations, hunters will commonly encounter nearly impassible patches of willow, mountain maple, and alder. Huckleberry bushes grow throughout nearly the entire area and provide a great resource for fall bear hunting.
Access
As far as publicly accessible land goes, this area is great! Where the tables really start turning, though, is when hunters start honing in on specific areas. The abundant logging roads will definitely provide the best access in most areas, but those looking to hunt remote backcountry areas could be in for a rude awakening. When you combine the steep terrain with dense vegetation, it can take hours to simply make it a mile. When selecting an area to hunt, focus on trails and roads, and really think through your approach.
US Highway 2, Yaak River Road, and South Fork Road all provide good access
Paper Maps, GPS, and a Compass are recommended
“Bushwacking” can be very difficult and challenging
Camping and Lodging
There are a few options for modern lodging found in the towns of Troy and Libby, but short of that hunters will be forced to seek out other means of lodging. Camping on public lands is permitted for up to 14 days in a single spot. Groceries and other amenities can also be found in Libby and Troy. There is a small sporting goods store in Libby, but some gear needs may need to be met prior to leaving for the hunt.
Modern lodging available in Libby and Troy
Sporting goods can be purchased in Libby
Kootenai Falls, located on Highway 2, can be a great attraction for the family
Bear tags are not valid until 24 hours after the time of purchase, this can be important to remember for traveling hunters
Historical Temperatures
High
Low
Moon Phases
March 2025
23
24
25
26
27
28
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5