This hunt district is made up of Mission Mountain Wilderness, Swan River State Forest and Flathead National Forest providing hundreds of square miles of public lands. Lake and Missoula Counties near Polson and Flathead Lake are home to elk, mule and whitetail deer. A draw is held for a limited number of permits valid only for mule deer in Mission Mountain Wilderness.

Over the years the Swan River Valley has been known for mature whitetails. Access can be an issue especially on any farmlands within a mile of the Swan River. Mission Mountains Wilderness offers a great alpine hunt experience for mature mule deer and elk. Swan River State Forest and Flathead National Forest provide access for public land hunters looking for deer and elk.

The Mission Range’s Glacier Peak has an elevation over 9,000 feet with a number of high mountain passes. Swan Range along the eastern border consists of a number of peaks above 7,000 feet with the highest being 9,200 foot Swan Peak. The Swan River flows through the broad Swan River Valley. The wilderness area is steep and rugged backcountry with numerous alpine basins and lakes.

Alpine meadows covered with wildflowers along with small stands of barren ground willow, moss and lichens can be found above timberline. Dense stands of ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, spruce and Douglas fir dominate the mountain slopes. Small open grassy meadows are scattered throughout the forest. Across the mountain ranges are clear cut areas with new growth that is favored by most game animals. The Swan River valley has marsh grasses, some willows and mountain shrubs. The valley also has large stands of pines and some farmlands.

Maintained county and Forest Service roads give good access into Swan River State Forest and the Flathead National Forest. These roads connect to trailheads that lead deep into the Mission Mountain Wilderness Area. A system of old logging roads crisscross the mountain ranges offer excellent access for the adventurous hunter. Heavy snow can shut down Forest Service and county roads so watch the weather during late October and into November. Four-wheel drive vehicles with chains are recommended.

Flathead National Forest including Mission Mountains Wilderness restricts camping in one location to 16 days. Check with the National Forest regional office for specific dates developed campgrounds are open. Swan River State Forest offers undeveloped campgrounds. Two communities that offer a variety of lodging, restaurants, cafés, medical facilities, 24/7 gas and diesel are Polson at the southern end and Kalispell near the north end of Flathead Lake.