Quick Tips
- Utilize Montana's BMA program to gain access into private lands
- Great fishing can be found in the many small creeks throughout the area
- Tire chains recommended during the later seasons
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-140" | 150"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-120" | 130"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 300"+ |
On The Ground
This district lies in west central Montana stretching from the city of Boulder, south until it reaches I-90 and Whitehall. This area is littered with several types of land including BLM, state, federal and private. Extensive mining and logging operations have left road systems throughout the district. Several tracts of private lands are under Montana’s Block Management Area (BMA) program allowing access for hunters.
While this is not an over the top district in regards to trophy quality, it can provide a good experience for someone looking to fill their freezer. The main attraction will be migrating elk herds that move in from surrounding districts later in the year as the snow falls. With most of harvests being cows and young bulls hunters looking for trophy quality animals will want to look elsewhere. As with a lot of the state, mule deer populations in this district have been struggling.
Terrain
This area is comprised of large expanses of open prairie in the valleys and bottoms that quickly climb into high mountain peaks in the center of the district. The mountainous areas in the middle of the district offer a wide array of deep canyons with an even mixture of open parks and dark timber. The mountains slowly roll to the north towards the town of Boulder, while to the south they fall off into prairie lands and mining operations.
Roughly 185 square miles
36.9% public land
Elevations from 4,400-8,500 feet
Vegetation
The vegetation in the higher elevations is a healthy mixture of Douglas fir, ponderosa pine and juniper. Interspersed in the stands of timber are prominent parks of grass and sage brush. Large screen patches are also encountered at high elevations. As the elevations begins to drop nearly all tree cover ceases as large prairies of grasses, juniper and sage take over.
Access
Access in this district can be somewhat confusing to hunters without good maps or GPS units. The land is a checkerboard of public, private and BLM lands. Under Montana law it is illegal for hunters to “corner hop” so this is a factor that needs to be considered. Due to large mining and logging efforts in the area there are many roads to provide access into the high country. Hunters should also note that many of the private lands also participate in Montana's Block Management Area program which will greatly increase the amount of huntable land. BMA lands are broken into two categories, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 areas allow the hunters to administer their own access, meaning they can simply drive/walk in or sign in at a check box. Type 2 BMA's are areas where hunter access must be granted from an outside source, typically a landowner or state employee. A complete list of this areas can be found on Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website.
Tire chains recommended as this area commonly sees heavy snow fall
BMA maps, Forest Service maps and land ownership programs for your GPS are highly recommended
Camping and Lodging
There are many modern lodging options for hunters in Whitehall as well as the surround cities of Three forks and Butte. Amenities such as groceries and supplies can be had in these locations as well. The closest sporting goods stores will be located in Butte. There is one RV park in Cardwell while primitive camping is permitted on the surrounding BLM lands for up to 16 days.
Historical Temperatures
High
Low
Moon Phases
March 2025
23
24
25
26
27
28
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5