Quick Tips
- Carry bear spray or a powerful sidearm
- Go light when backpacking in this rough country
- Horses are very useful hunting the backcountry
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 120"-140" | 150"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-120" | 130"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 290"+ |
On The Ground
This is a huge district in southern Montana that offers a variety of hunting opportunities on public and private lands. You can hunt the majority of the district on a general tag, a small portion in the southeast corner on the district is designated as a limited draw elk tag. Wolves have taken a big toll on elk populations throughout the Custer National Forest and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Grizzly bears are also a concern in this district as their population is growing, and encounters between hunters and grizzly’s are becoming common in the backcountry.
This district is renowned for offering classic backcountry hunting opportunity in the Custer National Forest and Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Elk populations and trophy quality has taken a dive in most of the district in recent years due in large part to wolves. Trophy bulls can be found all in the remote areas of the district, as well as on the private lands with restricted access.
Terrain
Most of this district is comprised of the extremely rough and rugged Beartooth Mountain range. The Beartooth is steep, rocky, rugged and can serve up nasty weather conditions with little notice. Hunters planning to hunt the backcountry need to be experienced and well prepared. The lower elevations on the north and east sides of the district are primarily rolling foothills and grasslands.
Roughly 1631 square miles
64% public land
Elevation from 4,300-12,800 feet
Vegetation
This district offers a variety of habitat from harsh, high mountain country to rolling prairies and high desert. The Beartooth Mountains are comprised of thick Douglas fir and ponderosa pine forests with cottonwood and willow creek and river bottoms winding throughout. Above timberline there are large grassy plateaus that green up in the summer time. The lower elevations in the north consist of large prairie pastures with a mix of shrubs and cottonwood creek bottoms. On the eastern side of the district the lower elevations are a mix of irrigated croplands and sage brush.
Access
Public access in this district is excellent. There are many public access points along the entire Beartooth front that hunters can use to access National Forest and wilderness. This district also contains several Block Management Areas and good amounts of BLM providing even more access to hunters.
Horses are very useful for hunting the backcountry
Rock Creek, Rosebud Creek and Stillwater River all provide access into the interior of the forest
Camping and Lodging
Backcountry style camps are most commonly used in this district. The town of Red Lodge is also a good hub for hunters and provides supplies and lodging. There are numerous campgrounds and recreation areas through the entire district.
Ratine and Cascade are good campgrounds
Perry’s RV Park in Red Lodge
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