Quick Tips
- This unit can be very physically demanding, prepare for steep mountainous terrain
- Bear spray, good raingear and good optics are a must
- Limited cell phone coverage
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 120"-140" | 140"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-120" | 120"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 320"+ |
On The Ground
This unit is located in the beautiful Gallatin Valley and has the Gallatin River as its western boundary. There is some great backcountry hunting opportunities, with very scenic views. Deer and elk hunting can be done with a general license.
This hunting district has some very rugged and steep terrain with high elevations. The southern end of the hunting district relies heavily on a migratory elk herd coming out of Yellowstone National Park. The whitetail population mainly lives on private land in the valley, but some bucks can be found in the lower elevations bordering the private land. Mule deer live from the valley floor to the highest peaks and numbers are low, but occasionally a good buck will be harvested.
Terrain
This unit has some very steep remote mountains with a lot of peaks over 10,000 feet. There has been several fires over the past decade, so burn scars are scattered throughout the unit. Some areas have very thick downfall, and heavy timber, but there are lots of open ridges and subalpine meadows that provide good areas for glassing.
Roughly 329 square miles
86.6% public land
Elevation from 5,050-10,300 feet
Vegetation
The highest elevations are above tree line and mainly consist of rock and subalpine grasses, with few whitebark pine trees starting around 9,500 feet. As you move down in elevation the mountainsides are a mix of Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, subalpine fir, grand fir and spruce trees. In some of the wetter draws there are aspen, cottonwood and cedar trees. The south and west facing slopes along with the lower elevations are more open with grass, sagebrush pockets and scattered juniper trees.
Access
This unit provides some very remote access. Most access is by foot or horseback. Some of the trail systems can be found in creek bottoms and will rise in elevation over long gradual gains. There are lots of areas that don’t provide trail access, these areas can be very physically demanding.
ATVs are not necessary
Hunters should expect very steep terrain
Backcountry hunting over 5 miles from trailheads is very common
Camping and Lodging
In north end of the unit Bozeman has the best accommodations, providing lodging, restaurants and gas stations. In the southern end of the unit Big Sky has the best accommodations fuel, lodging and restaurants.
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