At a Glance
64Square Miles
99.5%Public Land
3,500 - 7,500Elevation Range
Quick Tips
- The archery elk season can be very crowded
- Great fishing along the Missouri River System
- Mobile backpack camps can be helpful to escape hunting pressure
Hunt District 455 in Montana offers a mix of terrain that can challenge hunters, particularly with its dense forests and steep inclines. Hunters have noted the importance of scouting the area beforehand to understand game patterns and travel routes, especially during peak hunting seasons. The district is known for its elk population, which moves extensively depending on weather patterns, so keeping abreast of seasonal shifts is crucial. Draw odds can be tricky, so planning and applying early is advised to increase your chances of success in this rewarding yet demanding hunting area.
This is a relatively small district in the northern portion of the Big Belt Mountains between Helena and Great Falls. The district lies just east of Holter Lake and is made up of the Beartooth WMA and the north portion of The Gates of the Mountains Wilderness. The entire district is accessible to the public for hunting, although special permits are required to hunt mule deer and to rifle hunt elk.
This area is a designated wintering area for elk. Public access restrictions take place in the winter to allow elk to freely migrate into the district. Bull harvest is available on limited draw permits only and elk populations have skyrocketed in this district in the last 10 years. Mule deer bucks can only be hunted by drawing a limited entry permit and trophy quality is good relative to other areas in Montana.