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 bird hunting can also be found in this area
- Tire chains recommended during as this area can see heavy snowfall and large drifts
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 120"-140" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 100"-110" | 120"+ |
On The Ground
This district lies in north central Montana along the Canadian border. The area is dominated by open prairie and agricultural lands. Hunters can expect to find scattered areas of public access being made up of state and BLM lands, though most hunters will likely want to utilize Montana's Block Management Program. Very low elk numbers are found here but great deer hunting opportunities are present.
While this is not a great elk destination, hunters looking for quality whitetail and mule deer will enjoy a fun hunt. A recent outbreak of EHD had caused Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to limit the district the buck only which has slowly started bolstering the population again.
Terrain
This area is comprised mostly of agricultural and prairie type lands. Very few trees can be found scattered throughout the district with the bulk of them being concentrated on creek and river beds. An abundance of lakes and ponds can be found through the central portion of the district. Along the eastern borders the flat landscape gives way to steep coulees and drainages . While these areas are still void of any vegetation they will offer terrain breaks from the winds and eyes of predators that deer will seek.
Roughly 661 square miles
12% public land
Elevations from 3,300-4,100 feet
Vegetation
This area is comprised almost entirely of native grasses and sage. Small patches of cottonwood and pine can be found around creek, rivers and lakes. Look for isolated patches of juniper to be found in some of the steeper coulees.
Access
Access is both incredibly easy and difficult in this district. Due to the large amount of agricultural development in the area, roads are very abundant. With the extreme mixture of public and private lands hunters will want to invest in land ownership maps as well as the typical BLM and Forest Service maps. Another opportunity hunters will want to take advantage of is Montana's BMA program, which will allow access to large tracts of private lands. More information on BMA areas can be found from the Mntana Fish Wildlife & Parks.
Forest Service, BLM or GPS maps can be beneficial to navigate private and public lands
Main travel roads of interest should include Highway 2 and 214 as well as Interstate 15
Camping and Lodging
There are many lodging options in the surrounding cities of Cut Bank and Shelby. RV parks and primitive camping sites can also be found nearby. Groceries and other amenities can be found in any of the towns surrounding the district.
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