Quick Tips
- Listening or calling into remote canyons can be a great way to locate packs
- Locating packs can be easier during periods of heavy snow
On The Ground
This smaller district is found in west central Montana and features a smaller population of wolves. Most of this area comprises the famed Scapegoat Wilderness and access will be a large challenge for any hunters on foot. Deer and elk hunters may come across wandering packs from time to time but those who are specifically targeting wolves will find better hunting conditions in some of the surrounding units.
A smaller density of wolves is found in this unit and locating any target animals among the thousands of acres of roadless designated wilderness will take some serious effort.
Terrain
This country is truly remote and something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Hunters can expect extreme elevation changes, very dense vegetation, and dangerous cliffs that can appear out of nowhere. The area is well established with trails, but traveling off trail can be very difficult until one reaches the high country and can escape some of the underbrush, though the relief is minimal. Due to the extreme nature of the access requirements, most hunters will need a fair amount of physical conditioning, even when hunting off of horses or mules.
Roughly 300 square miles
99% public land
Elevations range from 4,700 - 9,200 feet
Vegetation
This area is home to an extremely large array of vegetation which provides excellent feed opportunities for bears, though it can cause glassing difficulties later in the spring. In the creek bottoms you can expect to find a typical arrangement of leafy plants and grasses along with cedar, yew, and various pines. In spots, the creeks bottoms can also become impassable with huge patches of alder and willow. As the elevation climbs, the ground cover will remain largely the same but hunters can expect to encounter more fir and lodgepole. Very little reprise from the constant ground cover will be found until reaching some of the highest elevations and periodic areas of alpine type county. Here you can expect to encounter subalpine fir, native grasses, and rock. In some of the wetter avalanche chutes, the ever present willow and alder will grow heavily. Most of the high elevation bowls will open up enough to provide some great glassing opportunities.
Access
This area is almost entirely roadless and hunters will have little trouble finding real estate to hunt. The primary issue for most hunters will lie in the remote nature of the unit and a healthy hike to access any huntable terrain. Hunters on horseback will find little trouble escaping the crowds but may still be required to hike on foot to reach remote locations to hunt. Hunters interested in backpack hunting will find themselves at home and shouldn’t have much of a problem when it comes to escaping pressure. For day hunters, some hunting options can be found along the southern half of the district although these areas will generally get better as the season progresses into the later dates.
Camping and Lodging
With the exception of a few small town motels, there is very little modern lodging available. If you are planning on staying in the area then consider modern or primitive camping on public land, which is allowable for up to 14 days. If you are willing to travel, then Missoula or Helena, within an hour of most of the hunting ground, are both great options. Groceries and sporting good needs will need to be met prior to the hunt or during your travels in either Missoula or Helena.
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