Hunt District 291 in Montana presents significant challenges and opportunities for hunters. Access volatility is a primary concern, as there has been an increase in private land acquisitions limiting entry to previously accessible lands, coupled with unpredictable landowner permission. The area is also known for substantial Grizzly bear presence, requiring extra caution. Although draw odds have diminished, partly due to heightened competition from an influx of new residents, hunters who venture into the difficult terrain of thick timber may still find success with deer and elk. The community advises persistence and adaptability, highlighting the importance of being prepared for changing access policies and being strategic about hunting locations.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | N/A | 120"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 320"+ |
High
Low
The hunt district sits just north of Highway 90, between Drummond and Garrison Junction. Renowned for its trophy mule deer, this unit has been very well managed, offering great opportunity at a real trophy sized buck.
A few of the bigger bucks in this hunting district will be found on private land. The district also provides excellent opportunity for trophy sized bulls, but the larger groups will be on private land in the lower country.
This unit is very mild to moderate. This area is made up of one small range, the Lower Garnet Range. The majority of the unit is made up of juniper and sage-covered rolling hills and bluffs, with cottonwood and red cedar creek bottoms. This area can have very steep areas. Large expanses of selectively harvested timber along with excellent private forest management have made this some amazing hunting country.
Public access is very limited, but the public land that is available to hunt is easily accessible. The public land is broken up into two separate smaller chucks, not leaving a lot of room for hunters.
The steeper, mountainous country consists of harvested stands of lodgepole, Douglas fir and spruce. Aspen groves make up the understory, which is filled with many different natural grasses and sagebrush. The lower country is made up of juniper and pinion pine forests mixed with some natural grass and sagebrush.
Drummond and Deer Lodge are your closest towns. Drummond has a few smaller lodging options, as well as gas, food and other amenities. Deer Lodge will have more lodging options and has the nearest sporting goods store. Camping is allowed on all national forest for up to 14 days in one location. There’s very limited designated campsites.
Roughly 322 square miles
20.2% public land
Elevations from 4,200–7,500 feet
Cottonwood Creek is a main public drainage
Echo Valley and Good Time Camping RV are a couple of campgrounds