Quick Tips
- Late in the season roads can become very snow packed -tire chains are recommended
- GPS with landowner overlay
- Allow plenty of time to hunt the district
On The Ground
East Big Hole district sits along the eastern bank of the Big Hole River from Big Hole Pass to Big Hole Road. Off of the Big Hole valley are the Pioneer Mountains and thousands of acres of Montana State Trust lands and Beaverhead National Forest. Only residents may apply for limited antlered bull license.
Trophy quality bulls roam Beaverhead and Deerlodge Counties. A 187” Boone and Crockett record book Shiras bull was harvested in Beaverhead and a 172” B&C came from Deerlodge. Both counties have a number of bulls above the 140” B&C minimum in the record book. Apply, apply, apply is the only way you can ever hope for drawing a tag. Remember that a mature bull weighs over 1,000 pounds so think how you’re going to quarter and transport hundreds of pounds of meat well ahead before pulling the trigger.
Terrain
At 8,000 feet, Fool Hen Ridge heads south of Big Hole and climbs to the Peak of Fool Hen Mountain at 9,000 feet. This area has steep, forest covered mountains broken up many drainages flowing east and west, finding their way to the Big Hole. Big Hole River valley is broad with open meadows and rolling hills climbing upwards to foothills and ridges with rocky outcrops.
Roughly 270 square miles
75.5% public land
Elevations from 6,200–9,000 feet
Vegetation
Dense stands of spruce, fir, ponderosa and lodgepole pine cover the mountain slopes, long ridges and foothills. Mountain shrubs cling to south facing slopes. Willows and some cottonwoods line the creek and river bottoms. Old clearcuts support new growth of tree, shrubs and grasses. Scattered throughout the forest are open meadows of lush grass and an array of wildflowers. Dropping into the river valley one would find meadows of lush hay, fence rows choked with bushes and thorns, ditches and creeks willow lined and some stately cottonwoods on the shores.
Access
Forest Service and County roads and trails allow excellent access into all parts of the district. Some of the roads link up with pack trails that follow the ridges into the mountain peaks. Old logging roads provide adequate trails for the adventurous hunter. Remember that late November is a time for heavy snow; high winds and cold temperatures so use a four-wheel drive have chains and carry extra gear.
Main highways include Montana Routes, 43 and 278.
Camping and Lodging
Beaverhead National Forest stay limit is limited to 16 accumulated days within any 30 day period. Wisdom and Wise River offer limited lodging, café and gas or diesel fuels. Butte is some 40 miles to the northeast and provides a wide variety of motels, hotels, café and restaurants, medical facilities, small regional airport, 24/7 gas and diesel and connection to Interstate 15 and 90.
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