Quick Tips
- BLM maps, Forest Service maps and land ownership programs for your GPS or phone can help hunters navigate private and public lands
- Great fishing will be found in Hauser Lake, Missouri River and Canyon Ferry Reservoir
- Tire chains recommended during as this area can see heavy snowfall
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-140" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-120" | 130"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 310"+ |
On The Ground
This district lies in central Montana just to the east of the state capital of Helena. Great elk and mule deer numbers are found here with respectable whitetail numbers. This is a great area for hunters looking to escape the crowds and get in deep.
With high populations of game animals any hunter will find a good hunt here. With oh elk success rates this one of the top tier districts in Montana and putting it on par with many hunts available in Colorado. Because of the better success rate the average age and size of mature bulls in slightly lower than in other districts. Great mule deer hunting can be found here with the possibility of pulling a monster buck out of the wilderness areas in the north. While the whitetail populations are low, great bucks are still being taken every year.
Terrain
This is a great area for hunters looking to escape the crowds and experience some of Montana's finest views. The south western portion of the district is largely comprised of open rolling ridges with sparse tree cover. As you move north and east the valley floor begins to climb into steep, rocky slopes with mature stands of timber and open parks. With a lot of district being designated roadless, hunters enjoy lots of country to get away from the crowds. The northern end of the district is heavily burned from the Meriwether Fire that burned nearly 20,000 acres in 2007. Foot travel in these areas can be very difficult and borderline impossible due to huge amounts of blow down. With the fair amount of open lands available throughout the district, optics will play a key role in hunting success.
Roughly 446 square miles
74.5% public land
Elevation from 3,800-8,900 feet
Vegetation
In the lower elevations native grasses, sage and scattered juniper patches will make up most of the vegetation. As the valley floor rises into steep ridges, large stands of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir will quickly fill in the landscape. Interspersed in the timber are open parks of native grasses and sage.
Access
Access in this area is very generous with the majority of the land being a mixture of designated wilderness, Forest Service, BLM and state owned land. In the south western part of the district large areas of private agriculture land are found with a few pieces of state lands interspersed. Land ownership maps and programs will be beneficial in these areas.
Forest Service, BLM or GPS maps can be beneficial to navigate private and public land
Camping and Lodging
There are a lot of lodging options available in area including motels, resorts and primitive campgrounds. Most of the lodging is in the nearby Helena, while primitive sites are found along the shoreline of Canyon Ferry Reservoir. The closest sporting goods store is in Helena, as well as any needs for additional gear and groceries. Several butcher shops can be found here as well.
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