Quick Tips
- Maps showing land ownership can be very helpful
- Get a Block Management Map
- Be prepared for winter weather in early seasons
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-140" | 150"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-120" | 140"+ |
| Elk | 260"-280" | 300"+ |
On The Ground
This large district is found in Southwest Montana and make up a large portion of the area. Several notable mountain ranges are found within the unit including the Greenhorn and Gravelly ranges. Elk numbers in this area are among the highest in the state. Whitetail deer are found in great numbers here as well, while some mule deer are available although their numbers are low.
This area has become popular for elk hunters on a general tag due to the high numbers of elk and relative ease of access. Hunter congestion can make for a very frustrating hunt in this area at times and hunters will need to work hard to distance themselves. Elk will constantly be on the move as a result of hunting pressure which creates a scenario where any hunter can get lucky and bump into elk on a given day. A few good bulls are killed every year in the region.
Terrain
This unit is composed of several island mountain ranges with rolling hills and prairie land making up the bulk of the habitat between them. Roads and trails are present throughout the area making for easy travel. The Greenhorn’s are a steep mountain range with long open ridges that make for easy travel once you reach the top. Long timbered drainages run down to lower-elevation foothills with deep canyons. The lower elevations are fairly moderate foothills and river bottom country. The Gravelly range rises abruptly at first with steep timbered canyons and as you gain elevation the terrain opens up some and becomes more gentle near the top of the range. Deep timbered and rocky canyons categorize the north end, while the southern end of the range is more gentle and rolling grassy vistas with large rocky outcroppings.
Roughly 1990 square miles
63% public land
Elevations from 5,100-9,500 feet
Vegetation
Irrigated lands can be found throughout the district among many of the notable rivers and water sources. Lower to mid-elevation areas will be composed of small timber patchers and large flats and rolling ridges of prairie grass and sage. Most of the higher elevation areas will be primarily dominated by ponderosa pine, douglas fir, and red fir.
Access
Public lands are scattered throughout this unit but much of the lower-lying lands are private. Hunting the edges of private lands can be a good tactic but accessing these areas can be very difficult at times. Hunting pressure will be concentrated on public lands and hunters will need to seek out overlooked spots to find unpressured animals. Easy-to-access public areas will see heavy foot traffic and road hunters will be a common sight throughout the unit, particularily during the rifle season.
Camping and Lodging
Day hunting is the most common style for hunters in this area. Backpack camps can be effective when making long treks to access remote areas. Most of the larger towns in the unit will have good access to gear, supplies, and lodging including Ennis and Twin Bridges. Campgrounds are available throughout the district.
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