Hunt District 240 in Montana presents significant challenges due to its rough and remote wilderness terrain, making it less appealing for hunters seeking trophy mule deer, as the deer population is reportedly low and hampered by predator activity, particularly wolves. Hunters need to be aware that drawing a tag for this district limits them to hunting within the wilderness area exclusively, without access to over-the-counter units elsewhere. While some have expressed interest in the unit for elk archery, the steep, high-altitude conditions can be demanding, with late-season changes such as a delayed rut noted in previous years. Sharing of local insights, such as access points and specific locations like high mountain lakes, could greatly benefit newcomers, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and preparation for successful hunts.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 120"-130" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-130" | 140"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 320"+ |
High
Low
This hunt district is located in the southwest corner of the state situated on the west side of highway 93. Hunters have the opportunity to hunt elk and deer during the same season.
This once great unit has taken a huge hit in population densities and quality over the past few years. The country can be very rough and is as rugged as it gets for the public land hunter. Elk numbers are lower then in most of the surrounding districts, but the quality of the bulls is a little above average. Mule deer populations are on the rise with more quality bucks are being harvested every year. Whitetails can be found in moderate numbers.
The northern part of the unit is made up of large, steep, rolling timbered ridges that run north as they drop into Lolo creek. The southern part of the unit starts at the top of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. This is about as steep and rugged as it gets in this area of the Bitterroots. From the valley floor, giant cliffy ridges sit towering above several major creek drainages that run east out into the Bitterroot valley.
There are not too many places that you can’t get to by either foot or on horse. Access is obtained by driving along highway twelve and hunting up old logging roads or driving to one of the many trail heads that branch off of highway 93. This offers the backcountry hunter outstanding opportunity for a park and pack in style of hunt.
The Northern part of the unit is primarily made up of large expanses of whitebark pine and larch forests, with red cedar creek bottoms. The southern part holds a mixture of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir and larch. Alder brush and cottonwood creek bottoms can be found scattered along the foothill country. Several species of native grasses and berry bushes make up most of forest floor.
Missoula, Hamilton and Darby all offer several options for lodging. Missoula and Hamilton both have sporting goods store. All of these locations have groceries, gas and other amenities. Camping is allowed on all National Forest land for up to 14 days in one location. There are also a few designated camp sites located throughout the unit.
Roughly 671 square miles
80% public land
Elevations from 3,200-9,000 feet
Highway 12 and 93 are the main highways in this area
Bass, Saint Mary, Blodgett and Lost Horse are your main trail heads
Fort Fizzle, Larry Creek, Blodgett Canyon and Lake Como are all public campgrounds