Quick Tips
- You need to be in good physical condition
- Bring good optics and good quality clothing that can withstand the elements
- This is grizzly country, so be bear aware and keep your camp clean
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 160"-175" | 180"+ |
On The Ground
This district is on the east front of the Rocky Mountains in northwest Montana. It is directly west of Choteau. The western boundary is the Sun River Game Preserve and the western part of the district is in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. It is beautiful steep rocky bighorn sheep country.
Historically this district was known for having quality sheep and many of Montana's early sheep transplants came from this genetic stock. Today, these sheep are struggling and the herd is only 50% of its historic levels. Disease and little to no lamb recruitment are hurting this population. Tags will be reduced in the future if this trend continues.
Terrain
The Rocky Mountains jut up almost vertically out of the prairie. They are extremely steep and rocky with huge rock walls and cliffs throughout the district. Some of the mid slope elevations are timbered. There are numerous steep side canyons.
Roughly 222 square miles
56.6% public land
Elevations from 3,800-9,400 feet
Vegetation
The prairie is mainly grasslands and the lower foothills have some cedars and junipers on the broken benches. This leads up to the timbered slopes that give way to near vertical rocky cliffs. There are lots of open parks scattered throughout the district and are mostly grass and forbs.
Access
There is good road access into the district out of Choteau on the Bellview Road. This road will take you to all three major trailheads. Several miles up the trails is the wilderness boundary. There are Forest Service trails throughout the district but it is big, steep rocky country.
ATVs will not do you any good in this district
Hiking will be strenuous; it is all very steep and rocky country
Highways 89 and 287 will get you to Bellview Road and to the trailheads
Camping and Lodging
There are numerous places to camp throughout this district. It is possible to camp at the trailheads and day hunt this district. Hunters typically horseback or backpack into some of the remote areas and camp in sheep country. It is also possible to stay at a motel in Choteau and drive to the trailheads and day hunt. Choteau has gas, motels and restaurants.
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