At a Glance
631Square Miles
64%Public Land
4,300 - 12,800Elevation Range
Quick Tips
- Carry bear spray or a powerful sidearm
- Go light when backpacking in this rough country
- Horses are very useful hunting the backcountry
Hunters in Montana's Hunt District 525, based on their feedback, emphasize the need for familiarity with rugged and diverse terrain, which can significantly impact hunting success. Many acknowledge the benefits of scouting this district thoroughly in advance and being flexible with strategies to adapt to changing game patterns or availability. Insightful advice underscores the importance of understanding the seasonal behaviors of local game, which can shift due to weather conditions and natural food sources. Overall, informed preparation and adaptable approaches are key for a successful hunt in this challenging area.
This is a huge district in southern Montana that offers a variety of hunting opportunities on public and private lands. You can hunt the majority of the district on a general tag, a small portion in the southeast corner on the district is designated as a limited draw elk tag. Wolves have taken a big toll on elk populations throughout the Custer National Forest and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Grizzly bears are also a concern in this district as their population is growing, and encounters between hunters and grizzly’s are becoming common in the backcountry.
This district is renowned for offering classic backcountry hunting opportunity in the Custer National Forest and Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Elk populations and trophy quality has taken a dive in most of the district in recent years due in large part to wolves. Trophy bulls can be found all in the remote areas of the district, as well as on the private lands with restricted access.