Quick Tips
- The moose are widely scattered from creek bottoms to upper forest elevations, so check out all possibilities
- Bring good optics even though much of the unit is forested and check with some locals on areas to check out
- There is the potential to harvest a respectable bull and with only 2 tags, there will not be much competition
On The Ground
This unit is located in south central Montana and is just east of Townsend and east of Canyon Ferry Reservoir. It encompasses the west slopes of the Big Belt Mountain range. There are only two bull tags for this unit and harvest in the past has been one or two bulls taken each year for the last several years. The moose habitat is kind of marginal overall.
Moose numbers are low and widely scattered but the population is stable. There is potential in this unit with bulls taken in the past to 40”. A large portion of the moose habitat is on national forest land in the Big Belt Mountains. There is good access to this unit throughout the entire season.
Terrain
The unit starts on the east shore of Canyon Ferry Reservoir and extends east to the top of the Big Belt Mountains. A majority of the moose and habitat is on the national forest. This is timbered mountains with numerous streams flowing to the west. Some of the slopes are quite steep. Many of the stream corridors have roads and or trails up them. There are some old logging areas worth checking and glassing.
Roughly 267 square miles
32.8% public land
Elevations from 4,000-9,750 feet
Vegetation
The national forest lands are timbered slopes of spruce, pine and fir. There are some intermixed pockets of quaking aspens and numerous open grassy slopes. Small scattered lakes and marshes are scattered throughout the unit. Some of the stream corridors are lined with willows, dogwood and numerous other small shrubs.
Access
Much of this unit is national forest lands with good access to it in numerous places. Many of the drainages have roads and or trails up them. Highways 12 and 284 will get you access to the numerous forest trails and roads.
ATVs will be handy and are allowed in many of the drainages, but check the regulations at the Helena Forest Service office
Most of this unit can be hunted on foot via vehicle access
Highway 12 and 284 will get you access to most of the trailheads in this unit
Camping and Lodging
There are numerous places to camp throughout the unit on the national forest and there are several Forest Service campgrounds in the unit. Townsend is on the eastern edge of the unit and has numerous motels, gas, restaurants and a sporting goods store. Canyon Ferry Reservoir has campgrounds along it with good fishing. Helena is just a short drive to the west of the unit also.
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