Quick Tips
- Physical conditioning prior to the hunt can make traversing the terrain much easier
- Expect more competition and spectators than what is found in adjacent units
- Tire chains recommended as this area can experience high levels of snow
- Snowmobile usage can greatly increase the scope of huntable terrain
On The Ground
This district is found along the Montana and Wyoming borders on the western side of Yellowstone National Park. Of the two sub units in district 395, this area features more open terrain with more opportunities for glassing and easier terrain to traverse. This area will generally see more hunting competition as well as more spectators.
Great hunting can be found in this district but escaping the spectators, competing hunters, and tribal hunters can be a chore. Buffalo will be easy to spot, locate, and eventually harvest.
Terrain
This area features nearly flat terrain making navigating the landscape very easy. Heavy tree cover will be found in the central portion on the unit and in the area north of West Yellowstone. Hunters should not abandon physical fitness because of the flat terrain though, as getting a shot on a bison in a large herd can require patience and sometimes several miles of hiking. Because of the mostly flat nature of this district, finding high points to glass from can be extremely effective in locating the herds of bison.
Roughly 205 square miles
85% public land
Elevations range from 6,500-7,000 feet
Vegetation
For the most part, this area will feature very little variety in vegetation. In the more open areas hunters can expect large sage flats intermixed with native grasses and small patches of white pine. In the some of the forested areas, hunters will encounter more white pine along with some ponderosa and lodgepole. Very little obstructing ground cover will be found in this unit making the traveling fairly easy.
Access
This area features plenty of publicly accessible lands for anyone with this tag, though some private land opportunities do exist. Access into these areas will be easy due to a fair abundance of roads. A unique perk of this hunt is the ability to use snowmobiles to access and transfer game, though some restrictions will apply. Hunters should be aware that the Horse Butte area has a closure from December 1 through August 15 of every year for nesting eagles.
Landownership maps for GPS or mobile device can be extremely useful
For snowmobile access info contact Hebgen Lake Ranger District at (406) 823-6961
Camping and Lodging
With its close proximity to Yellowstone National Park, this district has ample avenues for lodging from modern to primitive. Most hunters opt for motels as temperatures during the hunt can be very low. Some sporting goods can be found in West Yellowstone but most major needs will need to met prior to leaving for the hunt. Groceries and other amenities can be found in West Yellowstone as well.
Most hunters will opt for modern lodging accommodations due to temperatures
Gear needs will likely need to be met prior to leaving for the hunt
Primitive camping permitted for up to 14 days on state owned and Forest Service lands
Main road of access will include Highway 191
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