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 northwest corner of the state between the towns of Libby and Kalispell. Dense forest cover will be encountered here, though the landscape is abundantly broken up due to past logging endeavors, leaving hunters with valuable glassing real estate. Black bears and Grizzly bears will be encountered here, forcing hunters to stay on their toes. Walking some of the abundant logging roads can lead to success, but hunters may also opt to head into some of the giant, untouched canyons found within the hunting area.
Bear hunting has always been good in this area thanks to abundant food sources, great access, and the food to grow big bears.
Terrain
At first glance many hunters may develop a false sense of security with this hunting district. On any satellite imagery, the over abundance of logging roads and clearcuts canleave many feeling like this hunt will be a walk in the park. However, upon arriving in the area, hunters will be greeted with dark, nasty canyons that are impossibly steep andso thick with underbrush that bush whacking is nearly impossible. Whether you plan to stick to logging roads or not, be prepared physically as this hunt can be exhausting.
Roughly 1,448 square miles
51% public land
Elevations range from 2,300-6,300 feet
Vegetation
A large variety of vegetation will be found in this district due to the extreme amounts of moisture this area typically sees. Lodgepole, White Pine, Tamarack, Spruce, and Ponderosa Pine will all be encountered in abundance. Throughout most of the elevation range, hunters will commonly encounter nearly impassible patches of willow, mountain maple, and alder, particularly on north slopes. Huckleberry bushes grow throughout most of the area and provide a great resource for fall bear hunting.
Access
Overall, this area has a lot of publicly accessible land, and thanks to the many logging roads, access is not a major concern. Hunters may find more difficulty in actually traversing the terrain than simply getting into an area. If you are looking at hunting areas away from roads, be sure to consult topo maps first to find closed roads and trails that may get you close and reduce the need to go bushwhacking. During the spring season, snow may still be present at higher elevations leading to difficult access without proper gear or vehicles.
US Highway 2, Highway 37, Highway 93 and Fortine Creek all provide major access points
Paper Maps, GPS, and a Compass are highly recommended
“Bushwhacking” can be very difficult and challenging in this area
Camping and Lodging
Lodging options can be found in Libby, Eureka, Whitefish, and Kalispell. 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, Eureka, Whitefish, and Kalispell. The best bet for any sporting goods will be in Kalispell.
Modern lodging is available in Libby, Eureka, Whitefish, and Kalispell
Sporting goods can be purchased in Kalispell
Lake Koocanusa can provide great fishing
Bear tags are not valid until 24 hours after the time of purchase, this can be important to remember for traveling hunters
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