Quick Tips
- Be prepared to take plenty of time to hunt this district
- Good optics, lots of glassing opportunities found in clear cuts and old burns
- Tire chains reccomended later in the season
On The Ground
This district encompasses the majority of the Thompson River drainage in western Montana and is not only scenic but also an excellent place to fish. Good moose populations can be be found although the numbers have dipped in recent years. This area is generally heavily vegetated but recent forest fires have opened the unit up considerably.
Traditionally a very good moose district. Moose populations have declined over the past several years but are still respectable. Even with declined numbers, there are still some good bulls harvested. A realistic goal would be finding a bull with a spread nearing 40 inches, with bulls over 40 inches still being entirely possible.
Terrain
Terrain will vary from high subalpine fir meadows, to lower alder brush fields and thick forests. There are numerous walk in areas, and gated roads closed to motorized vehicles, along with many logging roads that are open to motorized use. Harvested timber areas, and burn scars will provide some of the larger openings in the district.
Roughly 352 square miles
52.5% public land
Elevations from 2,400-7,500 feet
Vegetation
In the higher elevations there will be some subalpine meadows, and high altitude lakes. Mid elevations to the valleys there is dense forest cover from both trees and brush. Many streams do exist and generally large alder fields surround these water sources.
Access
There are many well maintained logging roads throughout the district. There are some Forest Service trails, but many gated logging roads providing access to some of the more remote areas. Later in the season snow can inhibit travel.
Camping and Lodging
Thompson Falls and Plains are the nearest towns, both of these towns have hotels, but do fill up quickly during hunting season, so book early. Other services they provide are gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants and a Forest Service work center located in Plains for access to maps. Camping is allowed on public lands, and there are many established campgrounds and a number of dispersed campsites along the Thompson River.
Historical Temperatures
High
Low
Moon Phases
March 2025
23
24
25
26
27
28
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5