Hunters planning a trip to Hunt District 702 in Montana for Mule Deer with a rifle should note that camping is allowed on state-owned public lands and BLM lands, facilitating ease of access for those back-packing in remote areas. The conversation highlighted the importance of understanding draw odds, specifically noting the distinction between the big game combo (deer and elk) and nonresident deer combos, with preference points relevant to general season tags and bonus points applicable to permits for elk. Clarification was provided on points expiration, emphasizing that preference points must be utilized at least every other year to prevent forfeiture. Additionally, for those seeking private land access, willingness to pay a trespass fee for land with a viable game population was expressed as a practical approach to enhancing hunting success.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 170"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | N/A | 130"+ |
| Elk | 270"-300" | 310"+ |
High
Low
This hunt district is located between the Bighorn River and Tongue River in southeast Montana. This area has lots of private land, but does hold some quality animals. A hunter could day hunt this unit from Billings or Miles City with a short drive.
This is a draw permit for bull elk and, if a hunter can obtain permission on some of the private land, there are some large bulls. Mule deer numbers are also very good and hunters can hunt this area with a general deer license. Whitetail numbers are also very good with bucks being found along the Yellowstone, Bighorn and Tongue rivers.
This area has some isolated parcels of BLM and state land scattered throughout the unit. This unit is very diverse and contains everything from high timbered ridges, river cottonwood bottoms, sagebrush flats, rolling grass prairie and chalky cliff breaks. There is limited public access within this unit.
There are some isolated parcels of BLM and state lands. In order to access these lands a GPS with landownership is a must. There are few landowners that are part of the Block Management Program which will allow public access with permission. Check with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks for which landowners are part of this program. Public access is not good in this unit, and access points can be difficult to find.
The vegetation is very diverse. Some of the ridges and plateaus at higher elevations are heavily timbered with ponderosa pine and juniper trees. The north slopes and some of the draws are also heavily timbered. There are large expanses of sagebrush and rolling prairie with little to no trees present. The major river and creek bottoms will have large cottonwood trees and numerous grass species.
If planning on hunting the north or central portions of the unit, Miles City would provide the best accommodations. This is a great city with many options for lodging, restaurants, gas, groceries and a sporting goods store. If hunting the southern end of the unit, Hardin would be a good option, this small town is busy during hunting season but does provide lodging, gas, groceries and a few restaurants. Lodging does book up early during hunting season, so call ahead.
Roughly 2,805 square miles
11.9% public land
Elevations from 2,250-4,475 feet
ATVs are not a necessity
Most county roads are well maintained, in the chance roads become wet stay on graveled roadways