Quick Tips
- Grizzlies are prevalent in this area and 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 enormous hunting district is found in west central Montana and borders the Flathead Indian Reservation. A large population of bears can be found here, along with a huge amount of hunting opportunities. This would be a great destination for hunters of all walks.
Black bears are found in high concentrations here, with grizzlies also being present throughout much of the district. Thick vegetation can impair glassing at times but locating bears is fairly easy. Some great bears have been taken out of this area recently.
Terrain
Bear hunters, particularly spring hunters, will enjoy almost perfect bear hunting conditions here.
Roughly 713 square miles
54% public land
Elevations range from 3,00-7,000 feet
Vegetation
A wide array of vegetation will be found here, partly in thanks to the sheer amount of precipitation this area typically sees. Down low in the valleys hunters can expect to encounter thick creek bottoms full of pine, fir, alder brush, willows, mountain maple, and other natural brush. As you gain elevation, the vegetation vaguely thins and white pine and lodgepole become increasingly common. Thanks to the areas many logging roads, cross country travel isn’t too difficult unless trekking off trail. Huckleberries grow in abundance here and are a primary food source for the bears in the fall.
Access
On paper, this unit is comprised of a low amount of public land but much of the private lands located in good bear habitat are open to hunting. Hunters will want to check with the local game office prior to their hunt. With the sheer amount of logging activity this area has historically seen, nearly every ridge has a road on it. Carefully studying maps to find out which of these is closed can lead hunters far from competition and can up the odds of punching a tag. Because of the roads, hunters of any fitness level will enjoy fairly easy hiking conditions.
US Highway 2, Thompson River Rd, Wolf Creek Rd, and Highway 200
Cross country travel can be difficult and a GPS is highly recommended
“Bushwhacking” can be very difficult and challenging but may be necessary to reach the high country
Utilize closed logging roads for quicker access into spots away from other hunters
Contact the local FWP office to check on the legality of hunting private timber lands - (406) 752-5501
Camping and Lodging
Modern lodging options can be found in Thompson Falls, Plains and Libby. Some hunters may opt for primitive camping which is permitted on public lands for up to 14 days in a single spot. Groceries and other amenities can also be found in Thompson Falls, Plains, or Libby. Sporting goods can be found in most any towns encountered in the unit, however, some specialized needs may need to be met prior to hunt.
Modern lodging options can be found in Thompson Falls, Plains, and Libby
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