Quick Tips
- Have access to horses to reach some of the more remote areas
- This area has a large population of grizzly bears, be bear aware
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-150" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | N/A | 120"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 310"+ |
On The Ground
This hunt district is just north of Yellowstone National Park, located in the beautiful paradise valley. Due to the proximity to the park this unit offers much more than just hunting opportunities, it’s a great place to relax and enjoy your surroundings.
Hunting District 313 historically has had very high elk populations, but in the past few years numbers have drastically declined. Mule deer hunting is improving. Whitetail hunting is most effective on private land in the valley near the Yellowstone River.
Terrain
The Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness is part of this unit. This wilderness area is very rugged and remote, and can provide some backcountry hunting opportunities. The higher elevations of this unit will be in excess of 10,000 feet with limited timber. The lower elevations are just a little over 5,000 feet. This unit is very steep and has limited road access. Most hunters that have high success have access to horses in this unit.
Roughly 200 square miles
80% public land
Elevations from 5,029-10,450 feet
Vegetation
Some of the higher elevations are subalpine meadows with limited timber. Lower in elevation there is more timber, mainly Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine and subalpine fir with some aspen pockets in the creek bottoms. Mid elevations to the valley floor mainly consists of juniper, Douglas fir and some open grass slopes mixed with pockets of sagebrush.
Access
Horses are recommended in order to get into some of the more remote areas of the unit. Limited road access, with most hunting done on foot or with stock. Access to public land is good with lots of National Forest trailheads.
ATVs would not be beneficial in this unit
Hunters can expect some physically challenging terrain
Highway 89 is the best access to most of the unit
Camping and Lodging
Gardiner has many options for lodging and restaurants. The closest accommodations on the North end of the unit would be Chico Hot Springs, this is a top notch hotel and restaurant and provides a developed hot springs as well.
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