Hunting District 329 in Montana allows hunters with a general elk license to take brow-tined bulls or antlerless elk during the archery season, though checking state regulations is advised for specificity. Concerning predator presence, hunters report that grizzlies, while uncommon, are increasingly sighted, suggesting treating the area as grizzly habitat and taking appropriate precautions, although the risk of encounters remains low. Discussions about preference points reveal that obtaining a tag can be competitive due to an increase in applicants, with 2021 seeing a notable shift where the pool for non-point holders was completely filled for the first time. For those wanting to keep their preference point without drawing, applying to units with a historically lower chance of selection with a single point is one strategy, though it may require forfeiting the ability to purchase an additional point later.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-140" | 150"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | N/A | 120"+ |
| Elk | 260"-280" | 310"+ |
High
Low
This district sits south of the town of Jackson with Clark Canyon Reservoir lying in the southwest corner. Some high elevation Forest Service land offers some opportunity. Some large ranches lie in the lower portions which will serve as refuge to elk as the season progresses.
This district produces elk, mule deer and whitetail, but is not considered a trophy district. As with much of western Montana whitetail are found throughout the district. Most years it's an early season district as at this elevation bulls can get pushed out if the snow gets too deep some years. Road access is decent and the bulls, while available, will take some motivation to get to them and get them out as it's got some major topography throughout.
The ground for the most part is mountainous and mainly timbered. The district has some glacial carved valleys with willow lined creeks and open alpine meadows throughout. High mountain lakes are scattered sparsely throughout. In the lower elevations you will drop down into sage flats and lower valleys. While the district does go up to just over 10,000 feet the majority of the hunting will be in the 6,000 to 7,000 foot elevation range for elk. Deer will be found in the lower elevations as well.
This district is mostly public ground. It is split between BLM, Forest Service and state. Historic logging and mining roads access most drainages. Some private ground down low will hold elk as well but most is off limits to hunting. The lower down BLM and state ground is more likely to hold deer and antelope, the elk will be up higher on Forest Service with deer there as well.
The public ground is this district is mainly timbered but sage flats, especially lower, as well as alpine meadows are all accessible. Grassy valleys along creeks dominated by grasses and sedges can be found throughout the higher elevations as well.
The small town of Jackson offers a few amenities and they are minimal. Partially improved campgrounds and unimproved camping are available and Clark Canyon Reservoir does have some improved campgrounds as well. A few high mountain lakes have nice Forest Service campgrounds available or at least well worn unofficial sites.
Roughly 790 square miles
66% public land
Elevations from 5,200-10,200 feet