Quick Tips
- Bring blunt headed arrows or a shotgun for mountain grouse
- Good fishing in the nearby West Fork of the Bitterroot River
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-140" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | N/A | 120"+ |
| Elk | 280"-310" | 320"+ |
On The Ground
Located in the southwest corner of the state, this unit is comprised of mainly public land offering great access with more mild terrain than its surrounding units.
This hunting district was devastated by wolf predation, the abundance of mountain lions and over hunting. For the past few years, elk and mule deer have been under strict management. It is only recently on the rebound with very respectable trophies being harvested every year.
Terrain
This unit sits just south of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Higher elevations are extremely steep and rugged, but slightly changes as elevations drop into the West Fork of the Bitterroot River. It’s still steep but not as much elevation gain between ridges. Several fires have been in the unit in years past, leaving burns, clear cuts and an endless system of logging roads.
Roughly 554 square miles
97.3% public land
Elevations from 3,900–10,000 feet
Vegetation
The unit is made up of large expanses of Douglas fir, lodgepole and larch forests. Where the burns have passed through, small ponderosa thickets have started to spring up and alder brush has completely taken over. A lot of different native grasses and huckleberry bushes fill the underbrush.
Access
Public access in this unit is outstanding. All of the old logging roads offer tremendous opportunities. It’s also covered in well-maintained roads.
Trapper Peak, Overwhich and Chicken Deer Creek are your main trailheads
Nez Perce and the West Fork of the Bitterroot are your main roads
Camping and Lodging
There are a couple of options for lodging, local cabin rentals or you can drive to Darby or Hamilton. Darby has a small grocery store, gas and other amenities. Hamilton has the nearest sporting goods store. Camping is allowed on all National Forest for up to 14 days in one location. There are also a few designated camp sites located throughout the unit.
Painted Rocks, Indian Creek and Horse Creek Hot Springs are public campgrounds
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