This hunting district is found in southwest Montana along the border of Yellowstone National Park and Idaho. The area features a wide array of terrain from rolling prairie lands to steep jagged cliffs. Very low harvest numbers are found for both deer and elk and is generally a deterrent for most hunters in the area. While the historic numbers of harvests has always been low a sharp decline has been experienced in the past 4-5 years. The cause of the major decline is generally accepted as a result of the increase of the wolf population. Aside from low game numbers, hunters will also experience high hunter numbers and frequent grizzly encounters.

This area has been on a downward spiral since the population explosion of wolves in Montana around 2010. Most hunters interested in hunting deer and elk will be advised to look into surrounding district.

Along the western side of the hunting district hunters will find large sage flats that are comprised almost entirely of private lands. As you move east the rolling flats will give way to densely covered ridges that gain elevation quickly and top out in scree covered slopes. This area remains almost entirely roadless. Continuing east, hunters will encounter a large burned flat in the north eastern corner and a heavily roaded and forested area to the south east. With the extremely high elevations found in the central portion of the district snow can remain almost year round making water fairly easy to come by.

Hunters will encounter a wide array of vegetation in this hunting district with it’s unique mixture of terrain. On the western side of the district expect to find large sage flats with fingers of ponderosa growing in shallow draws. As the elevation begins to drastically increase, the sage flats will give way to forest floor cover including huckleberry bush and bear grass. The ponderosa pines will begin to thin out while Douglas fir, lodgepole and larch begin to dominate the ridges. As the elevation continues to climb and reaches the top, most of the vegetation will dissipate into rock fields and low growing juniper.

While much of this hunting district is publicly accessible, the terrain will be the biggest limiting factor. With sporadic and few trails, access into the more remote sections of this area will be very tough and generally reserved for those with livestock. With this restricted access, hunter numbers will be higher near trailheads and roads. Look for out of the way spots that may get overlooked due to difficult terrain. With it’s high elevations, look for much of the area to be inaccessible once the snow starts falling. During the any weapons season hunters numbers will be extremely high on the east side of the area as hunters wait for elk and deer to migrate out of Yellowstone Park.

With its close proximity to Yellowstone National Park, this district features a few options for lodging, most of which will be found in the southeast corner around the town of West Yellowstone. Primitive camping is permitted for up to 14 days in this area. Groceries, gear needs and other amenities can generally be found in West Yellowstone, but expect to pay higher prices with its close proximity to the park. Many hunters may look at staying in other towns outside of the district depending on the area they choose to hunt. The closest sporting goods store will be found in Ennis.