Quick Tips
- The district has potential for a big bull though ensure your ability to get the moose out as many areas are non-motorized only
- The district receives significant pressure for deer and elk seasons so hunting pressure can be significant even though only a few moose licenses are available
On The Ground
Located just east of Missoula this district covers the western side of the Garnet Mountains. With only 3 licenses offered, excellent access on both public and Nature Conservancy lands, and sitting as close as it does to Missoula, the drawing odds for this district are very low but the quality and quantity of moose nearly justifies the draw odds. During deer and elk seasons hunting pressure will be significant but hunters likely won't have a moose tag in their pocket and will commonly pass along moose sighting information to someone holding the tag.
This district produces great bulls for those holding the permit . Historically some amazing bulls have been taken though accessing some of the roadless areas is generally the key to tagging a bigger bull. Book caliber bulls are available though many hunters have hunted this district hard and weren't able to find a 40 inch wide bull.
Terrain
This district varies from a low of around 3,300 feet to a high of nearly 7,100 feet of Elevation. The majority of the district is mountainous and timbered though burns and timber harvest have left some openings. Some high elevation meadows offer excellent openings and moose habitat as well though moose are commonly found throughout the district. The valley floors have private farm ground but generally access is not paramount to success with this hunt.
Roughly 929 square miles
35% public land
Elevations from 3,300–7,100 feet
Vegetation
The majority of the ground is timbered with pine and fir. The meadows are sedge and grasses with willows. The bottom land is nearly all farmed with cottonwood and willow creek bottoms.
Access
Public access in this district is excellent. Numerous older roads from both logging activities and historical mining access nearly all the ground. Be advised many are not open to motorized travel for a significant portion of the year including the later part of the moose season. The eastern half of the publicly owned portion of the district is mostly BLM and access is all non-motorized. Common access points are Wales Creek Road, Bear Gulch, Cramer Creek, Elk Creek Road, and Garnet Range Road along with numerous smaller access roads such as Wallace Creek.
Roads are common throughout though many are not open to motorized travel
An ATV can be used to travel the older roads and in some cases can be an ideal vehicle to use, but most roads are traversable by highway vehicle
Camping and Lodging
Lodging is available in Missoula with extensive options in price range. Camping is allowed on BLM and state ground with the correct access permit. Cabins are available to rent in some of the smaller communities and both public and private campgrounds can be found around the perimeter and are too numerous to list.
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