This district runs from West Glacier south along the South Fork Flathead River towards Bunker Creek some 60 miles away. Situated next to the Bob Marshall and Great Bear Wilderness areas, this unit provides hundreds of square miles of publically accessible hunting grounds. Road access is somewhat limited here and most hunts will take place in close proximity to these unless hunters have access to livestock.

Sufficient access and hundreds of square miles of National Forest and wilderness areas in vertical and heavily forested terrain make this a very challenging hunt. Flathead County has many Shiras bulls above the Boone and Crockett minimum of 140”. This is grizzly bear country so be prepared. Late September and into October is the breeding season so take advantage of aggressive bulls by calling near areas frequented by cows.

Hungry Horse Reservoir sits at around 3,000 feet and runs through the middle of the district. The Swan Range consists of elevations reaching above 8,000 feet and lies along the western edge, while the Flathead Range runs along the eastern boundary with Red Sky Mountain sitting at 8,173 feet. The entire area is made up of steep mountains and deep drainages making cross country travel difficult.

Dense old stands of pine, spruce and fir cover the ridges, slopes and drainages. Open grassy meadows are scattered across the forest. Alpine areas have meadows carpeted with wildflowers with moss and lichens. Near small alpine lakes are small groups of barren ground willows. The sharp mountain peaks have clusters of short grasses clinging to the vertical slopes and avalanche chutes.

Great Bear Wilderness and Bob Marshall Wilderness makes up part of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex with hundreds of square miles of public lands accessed only by air, foot or horseback. Forest Service roads and trails allow travelers to reach deep into the backcountry. Forest Service landing strip at Meadow Creek and Spotted Bear Airport are situated along the banks of South Fork Flathead River. Four-wheel drive and chains recommended during periods of heavy snow.

Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Whitefish, Hungry Horse and West Glacier offer many options of RV campgrounds, motels, lodges and hotels, and many cafés and restaurants are found in these towns that can provide meals for any budget. Medical facilities and regional airports are also located near these communities. Most towns have 24/7 gas and diesel. Disperse camping is allowed in Flathead National Forest, Great Bear and Bob Marshall Wilderness for up to 14 cumulative days. Check with Flathead National Forest district office regarding open developed campgrounds during the fall months.