This district is found along the Montana and Wyoming borders on the west side of Yellowstone National Park. Of the two sub units in district 395, this area features more rugged terrain, heavy vegetation cover, and a generally more difficult hunt. However, with the larger crowds of spectators generally centering around the other side of 395, hunters can find a more secluded and private experience here.

Great hunting can be found in this unit, though the packouts can usually be more demanding and populations will generally be lower. Most hunters possessing the 395 permit will typically hunt the West Yellowstone district due largely to the sheer amount of bison in that area.

This unit features a wide array of terrain features from river bottom areas to steep rugged mountains. In the central portion of the district, river bottom areas can be hunted along the Gallatin River where bison can be easily spotted in the narrow canyon. Heading north or south of this valley will lead hunters into more mountainous terrain featuring steep and heavily forested ridges, as well as some burn areas. On the southern end of the district, hunters will also encounter some alpine basins at high elevations, but bison are very rarely found there.

This area features fairly easy access thanks to several roads around the hunting area along with well-maintained trails. During the bison hunt, hunters will also have to ability to use snowmobiles in certain areas for access as well as game retrieval. This district is comprised primarily of publicly accessible lands, enabling hunters to hunt nearly anywhere. As always, gaining permission to hunt private lands can be a great way to escape the crowds.

With the mixed bag of terrain features found in this area, hunters will also encounter a wide array of vegetation. Large patches of ponderosa pine will be encountered in lower elevations, with lodgepole being found throughout most of the unit. In some of the higher elevations hunters will encounter large open parks full of natural grasses, standing pockets of dead timber and subalpine fir. In the areas around the Gallatin River hunters can expect to find tall patches of grass along with other bushy plants.

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 Gardiner, Big Sky, or West Yellowstone but most major needs will need to met prior to leaving for the hunt. Groceries and other amenities can be found in any of these towns.