Quick Tips
- The competition will be heavy but savvy hunters can escape the crowds
- Land ownership maps, both paper and electronic, are highly recommended
- Tire chains recommended as this area can experience a lot of snow
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 120"-130" | 150"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | N/A | 120"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 300"+ |
On The Ground
This hunting district is found in west-central Montana and just to the west of the city of Helena. Whitetail, mule deer, and elk can all be hunted here during both the archery and any weapons seasons. This are does see a fair bit of competition due its reciprocity with Helena but some good hunting can be had. Backpack hunters will find it tough to really escape pressure due to the routing of roads in the unit but focusing on some of steeper terrain can be worthwhile for day hunts. This area is comprised of approximately 50% private land but several landowners do participate in Montana’s BMA program.
Because this unit experiences a lot of pressure and experiences low success rates it will not pop up on the radar of many people. Still, hunter success numbers do not speak for every hunter and some good hunting can still be found with a little bit of research and boot leather.
Terrain
This area does have some big elevation gains in areas throughout the unit but the terrain is not overly steep as compared to some surrounding areas. The ground cover is predominately forest but there are quite a few meadow present which can provide some great glassing opportunities. Along the private lands on the east side of the unit hunters will find much more open ground and a lot less elevation gain.
Roughly 245 square miles
47% Public land
Elevations range from 5,000-7,600 feet
Vegetation
Hunters will find a wide array of vegetation in this unit with ponderosa, lodgepole, and fir trees being the most common. In the lower lying elevations large patches of sage will be encountered along with some juniper bushes. In the higher elevations look for the ground cover to thin out and high elevation vegetation such a bear grass, huckleberry, lodgepole, and subalpine fir to dominate.
Access
For the most part, hunters will not have too much trouble finding access to public lands. There are quite a few roads leading into the heart of public land but these typically end at trailheads which will greatly focus other hunters. Look for areas that can be accessed by simply parking on the side of a road and climbing. Most of the eastern half of the unit is private land and will obviously pose some access issues. There are several pieces of land enrolled in Montana’s BMA program which will grant public access to private lands.
Main roads of access will include Highway 279, Little Prickly Pear Rd, Marysville Rd, Austin Rd, Highway 12, and Stemple Pass Rd.
It is recommended that hunters procure forest service, BLM, or GPS land ownership maps prior to the hunt
Getting maps for the units BMA areas can be a great tool
Tire chains recommended this area typically experiences a lot of snow.
Camping and Lodging
There a quite a few options for lodging in this area ranging from 5-star hotels to camping under the stars. Modern lodging options can be found in the city of Helena while primitive camping is permitted on public lands for up to 14 days. Sporting goods, groceries, and other amenities can all be found with relative ease in Helena.
Modern lodging can be found in Helena
Sporting goods can be purchased in Helena
Primitive camping permitted for up to 14 days on government-owned and BLM lands
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