Quick Tips
- Leave a hunt plan with family and friends
- GPS maps recommended
- Have ability to quarter/transport trophy
- Knowledge of survival techniques
On The Ground
Summit-North Fork Birch Creek district is in portions of Pondera and Glacier Counties 100 miles northwest of Great Falls. Lewis and Clark National Forest provides thousands of acres of public lands. Glacier National Park boundary also establishes the northern boundary and the Blackfoot Indian Reservation is on the eastern edge. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks have a drawing for residents only limited antlered bull license.
Hunting in this unit may be a challenge physically as the mountains are steep and drainages are heavily timbered. Bulls like the lush damp or boggy meadows, thick stands of willows and dense timber. If you’re looking for above a 140” Boone and Crockett trophy you will have your work cut out for you.
Terrain
The Continental Divide sets a backdrop that includes a number of peaks above 8,000 feet; Goat, Morningstar, Scarface and Bull Shoe Mountains. In addition to rugged peaks are two major drainages, Medicine and Badger Creek, which flow eastward emptying into The Missouri River hundred miles away. Prominent topography away from the peaks along the Continental Divide includes Two Medicine, Lubec and Look Out Ridge. This backcountry is challenging to horses and hikers alike.
Roughly 202 square miles
97.6% public land
Elevation from 4,900-8,400
Vegetation
Upon the Divide below 8,000 peaks are open grassy parks/meadows, dense stands of spruce, fir and lodgepole pine not only on north facing slopes but encompass the entire mountain, grass, willows and mountain shrubs on avalanche chutes. Dropping into creek beds are stands of willows, clusters of mountain mahogany and thick timber. Foothills consists of ponderosa pine, shrubs, sagebrush, and short grasses.
Access
Lewis and Clark National Forest maintains Forest Service roads, trailheads and backcountry trails allowing for hikers and packers to travel throughout the area. Badger and Muskrat Passes in the south and Marris Pass along US Highway 2 cross the Continental Divide linking the area to Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex to the west. Continental Divide National Scenic Trail connects to Elbow, Badger and Lee Creek trail loops. Heavy snow or rain can make trails difficult to traverse.
Major highway: US Highway 2 and 89
Camping and Lodging
Camping on Lewis and Clark National Forest is restricted to 16 days in one area. Check with local National Forest office for developed camping details. Choteau offers some motels, café and restaurants, medical facilities, gas and diesel. Great Falls over 100 miles to the southeast offers a wide variety of motels, hotels, restaurants and café, shopping, 24/7 gas and diesel, a regional airport and medical center.
Choteau motels and restaurants: Choteau Stage Stop, Big Sky Motel, Gunther Motel, Elk Country Grill, John Henry’s, Log Cabin
Great Falls motels and restaurants: Hampton inn, Holiday Inn, Best Western, Bert and Ernie’s, 2K’s Café, Front Public House
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