GOHUNT

Montana Hunt District 385 - Gardiner Basin

Updated Feb 17, 2026

At a Glance

164Square Miles

82%Public Land

5,400 - 9,000Elevation Range

Quick Tips

Physical conditioning prior to the hunt can make traversing the terrain much easier
Expect large crowds of people monitoring the hunt
Heavy presence of tribal members participating in a treaty hunt should be expected
Snowmobile usage can greatly increase the scope of huntable terrain

This district is found just north of the Yellowstone National Park and Wyoming border in southwestern Montana. Great bison hunting will be found here though there will certainly be crowds of spectators. Generally, these spectators will be non-confrontational and simply there to ensure the hunts are carried out legally. Escaping these crowds can prove to be fairly difficult unless hunting private lands. Along with the crowds of spectators, permit holders will also have to compete with tribal members hunting under the Hellgate Treaty of 1855.

This area is still the most popular amongst hopeful applicants, mostly due to the amount of bison found here. In recent years, the amount of tribal members present during the season has created some stiff competition forcing many hunters to seek permission for private lands or escaping the crowds and hunting further from roads.