Quick Tips
- Obtain landowner permission prior to applying in this district
- Maps showing land ownership will be useful, as well as good optics
- Rattlesnakes may be encountered up until the first of November in this area
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 120"-140" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-130" | 130"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 310"+ |
On The Ground
This hunt district is located in central Montana. It is north of Roundup and south of Winnett. The Musselshell River is on the south and east. The Big Snowy Mountains lie just to the north. This district is mostly private land and gaining access can be difficult. It would be wise to obtain permission prior to applying for this area.
Elk populations in this district have been increasing. Mule deer are scattered throughout the district, but their numbers are dramatically down. Whitetail numbers are also down and are mainly found along Flatwillow Creek and the Musselshell River bottoms.
Terrain
This district is mostly open prairie country but there is broken terrain with lots of coulees, ridges and scattered pines, just north of Roundup. The Little Snowys in the far northwest part of the area are a timbered small set of mountain terrain. The entire unit is diverse with lots of minor elevation changes that make for great stalking opportunities.
Roughly 2765 square miles
17% public land
Elevations from 3,100-5,700 feet
Vegetation
Most of the district is grassland with sagebrush and cactus. The area just north of Roundup is broken with pine trees, junipers and cedar. The Little Snowys are small mountains, mostly forested with pine and fir trees. Most of the creeks have agriculture fields adjacent to them. Both Flatwillow Creek and the Musselshell River bottoms have irrigated cropland in the valleys. There is a lot of dry land farming scattered throughout the unit.
Access
Highway 12 is the southern boundary and Highway 87 runs through the unit from north to south. Good gravel county roads run throughout the area. Most of the deer and elk reside on private land and access to the private land is difficult. The Little Snowys have some sections of National Forest lands. There are state sections scattered throughout the unit, some BLM sections north of Roundup and a few ranches are in the Block Management Program. Rain can make travel difficult, stay on the gravel roads or pavement if it gets very wet.
ATVs are handy if allowed by the landowner, and in the Little Snowys
Hiking is relatively easy, mostly stalking through the broken terrain
Camping and Lodging
Roundup has several motels, restaurants and gas stations. Winnett and Melstone have gas, food and a small motel. Ryegate and Lavina have gas and food. There is some camping allowed in the unit and camping is allowed on the national forest. There are campgrounds at Deadmans Basin Reservoir.
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