Quick Tips
- If possible obtain permission to the private ground before applying for this district. Spend the time and locate a good bull, this is a good district with good quality
- Bring good optics, maps showing land ownership, and equipment to get a moose out as soon as possible
- Be bear aware as this district is adjacent to known grizzly bear habitat and pack bear spray, just in case
On The Ground
This district is located in southwest Montana; the western boundary is the Idaho state line. This district has mountains on the west side of the district, and the east half is a mixture of private ground and BLM ground. Clark Canyon Reservoir sits in the far southeast corner. This district has not had severe negative impacts from wolf reintroduction.
This district has a very good moose population and has good quality bulls. This district is capable of producing bulls to the mid 40” class and occasionally one pushing 50”. Moose numbers are stable with good recruitment. Harvest in the past has been near 100% success. The majority of moose harvested occurs during the rut. A lot of the moose reside on private ground and access is very difficult.
Terrain
The eastern half of the district is ranchland and mostly large hills bisected by many drainages. The western half of the district is made up of the Beaverhead Mountains and the Big Hole Divide. This is forested mountains and contains the continental divide.
Roughly 455 square miles
69% public land
Elevations from 5,200–9,600 feet
Vegetation
A majority of the lower elevation in this district is very open country of grass. The heads of the drainages have willow bottoms. Very good high quality browse for moose. As you near the drainages extending up into the mountains they have stands of quaking aspen. The mountains have a lot of conifer forests of spruce, fir and pine.
Access
The district has public land both Forest Service and BLM with good access into the district from numerous roads. These roads also access numerous Forest Service trails. There is a lot of private land in this district that is very difficult to gain access on. It would pay big dividends to have obtained access prior to applying.
ATVs may be extremely useful in this district; there are a lot of roads
Be in good physical condition, it is still mountainous country and a lot of it is accessible only on foot or horseback and getting a moose out of the hills is no small chore
Interstate 15 will get you to the district and there are numerous roads in the district
Camping and Lodging
There are numerous places to camp in the district on public ground and there are also public campgrounds in the district. Clark Canyon Reservoir is on the southeast edge of this district with good fishing and campgrounds. To the north, Dillon has several gas stations, restaurants and motels.
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