Hunt District 413

Starting in the highest elevations of the districts hunters can expect to encounter steep and dark timbered slopes covered in ponderosa and whitebark pine, tamarack, lodgepole and fir. Covering the ground through these timber stands will be patches of huckleberry bushes and bear grass. Scattered throughout these mature stands of timber will be occasional rock slides and open parks containing expanses of native grasses and sage. As the elevation begins to drop the timber will quickly dissipate where only a few ponderosas are found intermixed in large expanses of native grass and sage. In the bottoms of draws containing water isolated stands of ancient cottonwoods and ponderosa pine can be found. In the northern half of the district nearly all of the tree cover will disappear and the area is comprised almost entirely of agricultural crops, native grass and sage.

Access in this area is largely dependant on the game species to be hunted and the experience hunters are after. In the northern end of the district the land is predominantly private with most of this area being cropland, though a few ranches do participate in Montana’s Block Management Program. As you head south and the elevation climbs hunters enjoy nearly unrestricted access with most of the land being public and consisting of BLM, Forest Service and roadless areas. Hunters looking to escape the crowds will want to focus on the roadless areas. This area is a major migration area for deer and elk once the snow levels increase and hunter numbers will increase drastically on public grounds after a big snow storm.

There are many options available for lodging in this area ranging from RV parks and campgrounds to multiple hotels and motels. There are several sporting goods stores located in Great Falls. Groceries and other amenities can also be found in Great Falls. Camping is permitted on Forest Service lands for up to 14 days.