Quick Tips
- GPS with landownership overlay
- Tire chains for snow and ice covered roads, 4x4 is a must have
- Be cautious of black bears
- Clark Fork River provides some excellent fishing opportunities
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-140" | 150"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | N/A | 140"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 280"+ |
On The Ground
Hunt District 124 is located west of the Clark Fork River near Plains and Paradise. Hunters have the opportunity to hunt elk and deer during the same season with general licenses.
Elk populations are decent, but it can be difficult to find a branch antlered bull. Mule deer numbers are at a low cycle with only a few bucks harvested each year. Whitetail hunting is the best on private land in the valley, but good bucks can also be found on forest service land throughout the district.
Terrain
Terrain varies from high subalpine fir meadows to lower alder brush fields and thick forests. This area has several walk-in areas and gated roads closed to motorized vehicles, with some logging roads that are open to motorized use. Harvested timber areas and burn scars can be seen in some larger opening in this unit. The valley bottoms are subdivided with many residential areas.
Roughly 132 square miles
64% public land
Elevations from 2,450-6,850 feet
Vegetation
Subalpine meadows and high altitude lakes can be found in higher elevations. Dense forest cover from both trees and brush can be found from mid elevation areas all the way to the valleys. Many streams can be found in this area, with large alder fields typically surrounding these water sources. Some of the tree species in the unit are Douglas fir, engelmann spruce, subalpine fir, grand fir, western larch, lodgepole pine, aspen, cottonwood, ponderosa pine and many different species of brush.
Access
Most of this unit is public land with a large pieces of private land in the valley floor. This area has many logging roads that can be driven along, with some gated roads that provide access to the interior portions of the unit. Hunters here have the opportunities to either hunt remote areas out of a spike camp or day hunt other areas. A GPS with landownership overlap is recommended for hunters hunting in the valley floor.
Camping and Lodging
Hunters can stay in Plains, which has some small hotels, a grocery store, gas stations and restaurants. Quinn's Hot Springs Resot is another option for lodging and is located off HIghway 135.
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