Quick Tips
- Pick up a bear tag, this area has great fall bear hunting
- Prepare for any type of weather, even early in the season
- If you're not a seasoned backcountry hunter, go with someone who is
- Bring bear spray or a heavy hitting sidearm for grizzly protection
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | N/A | 120"+ |
| Elk | 260"-300" | 320"+ |
On The Ground
This district is located in the northwest part of Montana nestled in next to the Sun River Game Preserve. The district is almost entirely public land making access to the hunting public excellent. Much of the district offers backcountry style hunting opportunities while day hunting is still popular near the main National Forest access roads. This area is popular for elk hunting and heavily outfitted, competition between DIY hunters and outfitters can be frustrating.
This district lies within one of the most legendary backcountry elk hunting areas in the West. The Bob Marshall Wilderness is often associated with wall tents, and pack trains loaded down with elk quarters. The Sun River Game Preserve makes up the western boundary of the district and often times elk from this area spill into the hunt district throughout the rut. There is also an annual winter migration of elk out of the game preserve and this district into the lower elevations to the east.
Terrain
This district is almost entirely mountainous. Long undulating mountain ridges dominate the skyline while giant sweeping canyons settle down to the forest floor. This district is rough, and getting around is difficult. Horseback hunting is popular in this area, and if you plan to backpack hunt, you better be prepared.
Roughly 95 square miles
98.2% public land
Elevation from 4,100-8,400 feet
Vegetation
High along the ridgelines you’ll find wildflowers and grassy meadows above timberline. As you drop in elevation thick Douglas fir and pine forests give way to pockets of aspen and lush grassy meadows. River and creek bottoms are choked with willows, buck brush, aspen and cottonwood trees.
Access
Public access in this district is excellent. Public access roads along Benchmark and Willow Creek provide access to the district. Hiking and horseback trails are spread throughout the district making backcountry travel a great option. The Sun River Game Preserve makes up the western boundary and does not allow hunting, so be sure of your location when hunting this area.
Backpack or Horseback into remote areas far away from trailheads to escape hunting pressure
Go light but be prepared for anything, this is rough country with nasty weather
Camping and Lodging
Hunting in this district is primarily done out of backcountry style camps. There are a few options here. Booking an outfitter will most often times lend itself to horseback hunts with wall tent style camps and a camp cook. DIY guys also commonly use horseback style camps as well as more mobile backpack style camps or a combination of the two. Day hunting is common near the trailheads where truck and trailer camping is popular.
Camping in pull offs along Forest Service roads is common among day hunters
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