Hunters have pointed out key updates needed for Hunt District 313 in Montana due to recent changes in regulations, emphasizing the importance of keeping information current for effective planning. One thoughtful suggestion is adding a clear note on apex predators like wolves and grizzlies, which was appreciated by GOHUNT and is being considered for clearer visibility. There is a clarification about the status of hunting around Gardiner; though some believe it's closed, there are limited tags available through a draw system, and updates to the profiles are in progress to reflect this. For nonresidents looking to understand permit details, the OTC B license is indeed available, and harvest data is collected on a broad unit basis without distinguishing by tag type, which is valuable for strategizing hunting efforts.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-150" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | N/A | 120"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 310"+ |
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This hunt district is just north of Yellowstone National Park, located in the beautiful paradise valley. Due to the proximity to the park this unit offers much more than just hunting opportunities, it’s a great place to relax and enjoy your surroundings.
Hunting District 313 historically has had very high elk populations, but in the past few years numbers have drastically declined. Mule deer hunting is improving. Whitetail hunting is most effective on private land in the valley near the Yellowstone River.
The Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness is part of this unit. This wilderness area is very rugged and remote, and can provide some backcountry hunting opportunities. The higher elevations of this unit will be in excess of 10,000 feet with limited timber. The lower elevations are just a little over 5,000 feet. This unit is very steep and has limited road access. Most hunters that have high success have access to horses in this unit.
Horses are recommended in order to get into some of the more remote areas of the unit. Limited road access, with most hunting done on foot or with stock. Access to public land is good with lots of National Forest trailheads.
Some of the higher elevations are subalpine meadows with limited timber. Lower in elevation there is more timber, mainly Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine and subalpine fir with some aspen pockets in the creek bottoms. Mid elevations to the valley floor mainly consists of juniper, Douglas fir and some open grass slopes mixed with pockets of sagebrush.
Gardiner has many options for lodging and restaurants. The closest accommodations on the North end of the unit would be Chico Hot Springs, this is a top notch hotel and restaurant and provides a developed hot springs as well.
Roughly 200 square miles
80% public land
Elevations from 5,029-10,450 feet
ATVs would not be beneficial in this unit
Hunters can expect some physically challenging terrain
Highway 89 is the best access to most of the unit