Hunt District 416 in Montana is noted for its relatively easy access, resulting in high hunting pressure, particularly during the archery season. A few experienced hunters emphasize that while elk are present, they often become elusive due to pressure, with a tendency for large cow groups and a low bull-to-cow ratio. The area's potential for encountering grizzly bears is low, though sightings have been reported, so caution and preparedness like bear spray are advised. Furthermore, while archery draws can be challenging due to pressure and terrain, hunters may find success by venturing off the beaten path, suggesting a backpack hunt could potentially yield better results for those seeking less crowded experiences.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 120"-140" | 150"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-120" | 130"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 320"+ |
High
Low
This district lies in the famed Little Belt Mountains in central Montana. With a healthy mixture of thick, heavily forested mountains and rich wintering areas, this district offers good opportunities for any sportsman throughout the hunting seasons. This district has very good road access as well as some roadless areas for hunters who prefer to get off the beaten path. With large amounts public land and healthy game populations, hunters will find this to be a great district.
This district sees quite a bit of traffic, yet can still be an attractive district for hunters due to its high game populations and ample public lands. Hunters will enjoy good hunting from the early bow season through late general weapons season.
This area is comprised of open prairie lands in the lower elevations with thick, heavily forested ridges in the higher elevations. Hunters enjoy fairly easy hiking in this district due to long rolling ridges and shallow canyons. The southwest portion of the district is made up of some agricultural areas, along with a heavy mix of natural grasses and sage. Further to the north and east hunters find the prairie begins to transform from sparsely covered ridges to thick stands of mature forests.
Due to large mining and logging operations in the area there are lots of roads that provide access into the high country. Many of these roads will be closed during the later seasons and it is highly recommended that hunters pick up a motor vehicle use map from the Belt Creek Ranger Station in Neihart on the eastern edge of the district. Most lands found on the northern half of the district are public lands, while most of low lying prairie lands in the south are private.
The vegetation in the higher elevations is a healthy mixture of Douglas fir, ponderosa, lodgepole pine and whitebark pine found in the highest areas. As the elevation begins to drop the heavily timbered ridges begin to open up into open grasslands covered in sage, juniper and a few scattered ponderosa.
There are a lot of lodging options available for hunters. Besides multiple motels in White Sulphur Spring, there are also primitive camping sites available along Highway 89 to the northeast. All amenities and groceries can be found in White Sulphur Springs and Neihart. The nearest sporting goods stores will be found a few hours away in Helena and Great Falls.
Roughly 654 square miles
47% public land
Elevations from 5,000-8,100 feet
Tire chains are recommended