Quick Tips
- BLM, Forest Service and BMA maps recommended as well as land ownership cards for GPS units
- Tire chains recommended as this area can experience heavy snow at times as well as large wind drifts
- Concentrate on connecting strips of land to navigate yourself into secluded areas
species | general Size | trophy potential |
---|---|---|
Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 160"+ |
Whitetail Deer | 110"-120" | 120"+ |
Elk | Little-to-none | N/A |
On The Ground
This hunting district, found in northeastern Montana, offers great mule deer and whitetail hunting opportunities, but hunters wishing to pursue elk will want to look into surrounding districts. The area is largely made up of private crop lands, yet large expanses of BLM, state and private lands enrolled in Montana’s Block Management Area program can be found on the western side of the district. This can be a great area for hunters looking to experience open country hunting and excellent spot and stalk opportunities.
Great mule deer and whitetail hunting will be found here, but elk hunters will want to focus their attention on surrounding areas. Deer herds are rebounding greatly after a big winter kill off and EHD decimated populations. Hunters can expect a great hunt with ample opportunity.
Terrain
This hunting district provides a unique mixture of terrain providing hunters with equally as unique opportunities. On the eastern half of the district crop lands dominate the landscape providing very little in the way of cover, but excellent opportunities for the use of optics. These areas will be target destinations for those seeking whitetails as the lush crops will undoubtedly draw large numbers of deer in concentration. On the western side of the district spot and stalk hunters will be delighted to find very broken country offering ample glassing opportunities as well as great stalking terrain. Very little vegetation will be found in this broken terrain with the exception of a few lonely patches of sage and some twisted juniper bushes. Intermixed throughout rocky and broken terrain of the western side will be small reservoirs providing a unique dynamic to the area that will play major roles in game movement during dry periods.
Roughly 1,505 square miles
21.6% public land
Elevations from 2,100-2,800 feet
Vegetation
Very little vegetation will be visible in this district with the exception of a few plants and trees. Hunters pursuing game near the crop lands on the eastern side of the district will encounter sporadic patches of sage and juniper as well as stands of ancient cottonwood found in wet drainages. As you move to the broken country on the western side of the district the cottonwoods will dissipate as sage and juniper patches increase in frequency as well as native grasses and an occasional cactus.
Access
Access throughout the district can be someone difficult due in part to the checkerboarded public and private lands. The act of corner hopping is illegal in Montana and hunters should be aware of this before heading afield. It is highly suggested that prospective hunters acquire BLM, Forest Service, and BMA maps prior to the hunt. Many roads can be found throughout the crop lands in the east providing good access into BMA and private lands. Less roads will be apparent on the western side, but will provide areas for hunters willing to hike a little further to escape the crowds. Pay close attention different types of land and how they butt together to provide access into some honey holes.
Camping and Lodging
Very little options of lodging exist within the district expect a motel in the town of Circle on the south eastern border of the district. A few campgrounds can be found just outside of the hunting district boundary on the north side. Primitive camping is legal on state owned lands for up to 14 days and on BLM lands for up to 16. Groceries and other amenities can be found in Circle.
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