Quick Tips
- Be in good physical condition
- Bring good optics
- This is grizzly country, so be bear aware and keep your camp clean
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 160"-175" | 175"+ |
On The Ground
Sheep District 424 lies on the east front of the Rocky Mountains in northwest Montana. It is west of Augusta and the western boundary is the Sun River Game Preserve. This district is known as Ford Creek and this district encompasses the Sun River Wildlife Management Area. Expect steep rocky sheep country and breathtaking views in this district.
This district has native rams that are the genetic stock for much of the state. This district was the source for many of Montana’s transplants. Numbers have struggled and the herd is reduced to 50% of its historic levels. Frequent bouts with disease have taken its toll, and low lamb recruitment are also cause for the reduced herd size.
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. Most of the mid slope elevations are timbered with numerous open parks. There are numerous steep side canyons.
Roughly 309 square miles
67.9% public land
Elevations from 4,400-8,200 feet
Vegetation
The valleys are mostly open and grassy. A majority of the timbered slopes are fir and pine. There are numerous vertical rocky cliffs. There are lots of open parks scattered throughout the district and are mostly grass and forbs that the sheep feed on.
Access
There is good road access into this district from the Augusta area to Gibson Reservoir or way into the district via the Benchmark Road. The trailheads into the district take off from these roads and into the sheep country. There are Forest Service trails throughout the district, but it is big, steep rocky country.
Highway 287 and Highway 435 will get you to Sun River Road, Benchmark Road and to the trailheads
Camping and Lodging
There are many places to camp throughout this district. Camping at the trailhead with day hunts is possible. Horseback or backpack into some of the remote areas and camp in sheep country. It is also possible to stay at a motel in Augusta and drive to the trailheads and day hunt. Augusta has motels, gas and restaurants.
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