This hunting district is located in south central Montana, along the Wyoming border. Home to a large portion of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, this area is 1 of only 3 quota bear units in Montana. Once the bear quota is met, the unit will close within 48 hours. This area features some of the most rugged country in all of Montana and provides an incredible backdrop for the adventure of a lifetime. Hunters should place physical conditioning as a high priority when choosing to hunt this district.

Great bear hunting can be found here but the quota can often be met early in the season during ideal weather conditions. Those looking to hunt this area should have a few contingency plans for early closure situations.

The Beartooth Wilderness portion of this district has some of the most breathtaking and rugged country in Montana. This area houses extremely steep ridges that climb thousands of feet off the valley floors, abundant cliffs, and areas that are physically impassable. More reminiscent of sheep terrain, prospective bear hunters will have their work cut out for them. The lower lying country on the northern end of the unit is more gentle with rolling hills and a lower elevation exaggeration. This part of the district is primarily comprised of private lands and access can be difficult here. During early or warm springs, bears can often be found in these easier to access areas which will inevitably lead to early closures due to quota concerns.

This district has a large array of vegetation, particularly in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area. In the lower elevations, you can expect your typical eastern Montana landscape of large and expansive prairie land complete with sagebrush, cactus, and native grasses. Throughout this open prairie land will be small draws and drainages that are littered with ponderosa pine and juniper. In the higher elevation areas, lodgepole, white pine, fir, and subalpine fir will become the dominant tree species. The highest elevations are comprised almost entirely of giant scree and boulder fields.

Overall, access is great in this area. Many roads can be found in the lower elevations and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness has a great system of trails. While there are plenty of access options, it’s important to keep in mind that the ease ends as soon as you leave the trailheads as this country gets real big, real fast. Entering areas prime for bear habitat can take a massive amount of physical energy and may not be possible for some hunters to reach. In the mid-elevation areas on the front of the wilderness areas, hunters can still locate bears in some unpressured areas that will require far less effort and that can often be glassed from long distance and from roads. Much of the northern half of the unit is private, while nearly the entire southern end consists of public land. Small parcels of state owned lands can be found throughout the private areas and land ownership software and maps can be extremely beneficial.

There are quite a few lodging options along the northern end of the district in Big Timber, Columbus, Laurel, and Billings, which is located just outside of the district boundary. A few small options can also be found to the south east in Red Lodge. Primitive camping is permitted on public lands for up to 14 days. Groceries and some sporting goods can be found in nearly every town throughout the unit, though the best options and widest selections will be found in Billings.