Beaverhead National Forest, BLM lands and State Trust Land provide thousands of acres for public access. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks estimated herd population to be near 785 antelope.

Be patience and look over a few bucks before deciding to pull the trigger. Archery season includes the breeding season, so use their aggressive behavior to your advantage.

The Pioneer Mountains, with elevations over 11,000 feet, provide a dynamic backdrop to thousands of acres of rolling rangeland and wide open flats. Ridges drop off of the mountain slopes and break up the rolling plains. Creeks take snowmelt off the high peaks and flow towards the Big Hole River in the northern portion and Beaverhead River in the east.

Mountainous regions have thick stands of spruce, fir, ponderosa and lodgepole pine with open grassy parks scattered across steep slopes. Foothills have clusters of pinyon and juniper, ponderosa pine, mountain shrubs, sagebrush and meadows of wildflowers. Dropping in elevation to the valley floor miles of sagebrush, buffalo and blue gramma grass bring cover to the land. Creek bottoms have cottonwood and willows lining their banks.

Excellent access is provided by a network of roads that crisscross hundreds of square miles of BLM land. Forest Service roads connect to BLM roads in the lower elevations. State Trust Lands have travel restrictions so check with Montana FWP. Many secondary roads can become impassable during periods of heavy rains or snow. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended.

BLM lands offer disperse camping across the district. Check for camping restrictions on State Trust Lands. Dillon offers a variety of choices for lodging, cafés and restaurants, has a medical facility and service stations.