Quick Tips
- Waiting for the rut and calling for bulls can be very effective
- Limited cell phone service throughout the area
On The Ground
Located southeast of Great Falls this unit covers the Highwood Mountains. Similar to the famous Big and Little Belt Mountains this is a mountain range rising out of the plains east of the continental divide. A growing population of moose can be found here and locating a good bull may take some effort.
This unit is seeing a growing population of moose and, as such, densities are also low at this point. Hunters may have to spend some time to locate mature bulls but the pay-off can be great.
Terrain
This unit varies from a low of around 3,000 feet to a high of nearly 7,700 feet on Highwood Baldy. The majority of the unit is mountainous and timbered, though rolling grass hills and parks are mixed in at all elevations. The valley floors have farm ground which is mostly private.
Roughly 885 square miles
21% public land
Elevations range from 4,000 - 7,700 feet
Vegetation
The higher elevations and northern slopes are timbered with pine and fir. Grasses dominate the parks and open hillsides. As the elevation drops lower down there are open grass hillsides, giving way to cottonwood and willow bottom lands.
Access
Public access in this unit is decent. Numerous trails access much of the backcountry, but be advised the eastern side of the unit has numerous open ATV trails which can detract from a hunter looking for a roadless experience. The best hunting will require getting in a ways on one of the numerous hiking trails.
A good portion of this unit is only accessible by trail with numerous options for length and difficulty in trips. Generally the further and harder you go the fewer hunters you will see
An ATV will access much of the eastern half
Camping and Lodging
Lodging is available in Belt. Camping is allowed on National Forest ground up to 14 days in a row. Numerous campsites are available on National Forest lands.
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