Quick Tips
- Hunters looking to escape the crowds should focus their efforts in the roadless area in the northern section of the district
- Excellent fishing can be found nearby in the MIssouri River and Canyon Ferry Reservoir
- Tire chains recommended during periods of heavy snowfall
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-140" | 150"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-120" | 140"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 310"+ |
On The Ground
This district is found in central Montana along the shores of Canyon Ferry Reservoir. This is a very dynamic district offering a hunting experience for nearly every hunter out there. With high animal populations, good access and a decent amount of public land, hunters are sure to find a great hunting experience.
While this district doesn't have a lot to offer in the way of trophy potential, it does bring a lot to the table in the way of opportunities. Hunters will enjoy great mule deer hunting with there always being a potential of finding a true giant in some of the lonely reaches of the highest elevations. The whitetail, predominantly found on private lands, have been doing great the last few years with large percentages of the annual harvest being comprised of mature deer. While the average elk taken in this district will never make it past about three years of age the opportunities will be better than in surrounding districts.
Terrain
This is a very diverse district that offers many different terrain options. On the western side of the district agricultural lands are fairly prominent with very little to be found for tree cover. As you continue east the elevation begins to rise as timbered ridges feed into the high country. In the middle stretch of the district steep ridges, deep canyons and dark timber patches with the north end of the district yielding the most remote and rugged country. Further to east the high elevations again begin to drop into open country with sparsely covered coulees and eventually back into agricultural lands.
Roughly 434 square miles
25.3% public land
Elevations from 3,700-9,500 feet
Vegetation
The higher elevations of the district are covered in thick stands of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir and lodgepole pine with an occasional open park made up of shale rock, native grasses and sage. As the elevation begins to drop to around the 5,500’ mark the dark stands of timber begin to thin as grassy finger ridges of ponderosa, sage and juniper begin to take over and eventually move to predominantly grass and sage with an occasional juniper bush.
Access
Public access in the higher elevations is fantastic with a healthy mixture of state, Forest Service and roadless areas available. As you head either east or west you will encounter large tracts of private lands with interspersed sections of state lands. A few of these private lands do participate in Montana’s BMA Program.
Camping and Lodging
There are many camping or lodging options available for hunters ranging from primitive camping to RV parks. Within the district Townsend provides the only lodging while a short drive to the nearby cities of White Sulphur or Helena offers more options. There are few established camp sites, but primitive camping is permitted on Forest Service lands for up to 14 days. Groceries and other commodities can be found in Townsend and Ringling. The closest sporting good stores are found in Helena and White Sulphur.
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