Quick Tips
- You need to be in good physical condition
- Bring good optics and good quality clothing that can withstand the elements
On The Ground
Terrain
Vegetation
Access
Camping and Lodging
Historical Temperatures
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Located in the Bridger Mountains, this district is located just north of Bozeman. This district is considered one of the best goat districts in Montana for size class.
Goat populations are good, with the highest densities located in the southern half of the district. Billies measuring over 9" can be found in this area, with some 9.5" goats taken every season. The limited amount of tags issued each year allows the age class of goats to increase, which allows for the chance at a true trophy goat.
Terrain is very steep, with trail systems generally running in the bottom of the drainages and then going through mountain passes. There are plenty of water sources, with mountain lakes and streams scattered throughout the district. Massive cliff walls surround these lakes, making a cathedral type setting.
The upper portion of this district is above tree line with no vegetation other than rock and some subalpine grasses. The vegetation mid-elevation is sparse subalpine fir mixed with douglas fir and a grass and rock understory. In the creek bottoms at lower elevations, there are large Douglas fir and juniper trees with mixed variation of mountain brush. Water sources are plentiful with a lot of mountain lakes and streams.
The Bridger Mountains on the eastern side of the district provide very good public access, with gated logging roads, forest service trails and access points off of county roads. The rest of the district has poor access because obtaining permission to private land in this area can be difficult. There are very few parcels of public land that access the western portion of the district, but there are a handful of trailheads that can provide access into the district.
Camping is allowed on most public land. Hunters can stay in Bozeman, which has a lot of accomodations including lodging options, restaurants, sporting goods stores and gas stations.
Roughly 443 square miles
29.3% public land
Elevations from 4,000-9,665 feet