High Rye unit is situated within portions of Silver Bow and Deer Lodge Counties located southeast of Anaconda. It includes some 30,000 +/- acres of Mt Haggin and 7,394 acres of Fleecer Mountain Wildlife Management Area. Deerlodge National Forest provides thousands of acres of public access in both north and south of the Continental Divide. Residents may apply for an antlered bull tag.

Good access to Forest Service roads and trails along with Montana Wildlife Areas allow tag holder to hunt into most areas. The onset of the breeding season in late September gives Bowhunters a great opportunity to call in an aggressive bull. Be prepared to quarter and transport over 500 pounds of bone out meat.

Prominent peaks and ridges along or near the Continental Divide include 7,000 foot plus Sugar Loaf and Beal’s Hill, 8,000 foot Starlight or Burnt Mountain, 3 mile long 8,000 foot Fleecer Ridge and broad Selway Meadows. Drainages that drain snowmelt off the Divide; Spring, Canyon, North Fork Divide, West Fork, California, Edward, and Willow Creeks, Minnesota, Long Canyon, American and Greenland Gulch. While not above timberline the ridges and mountains combined with numerous drainages make this a difficult area to travel cross country.

Meadows are scattered throughout the national forest and WMA’s. They are surrounded by thick stands of timber consisting of pine, fir, spruce, aspen and mountain shrubs. Moose are drawn to areas with thick clusters of willows, serviceberry, chokecherry and dogwood throughout the year. They will browse on new growth saplings and various aquatic plants during spring and summer that are found in marshy and along edges of open parks. Foothills have mountain shrubs, stands of ponderosa pine and aspen groves near wet areas.

No big issues reaching the unit. Combination of Interstate, State and County roads lead to a good system of Forest Service roads and trails.

Deerlodge National Forest allows camping for up 16 consecutive days at one site. Nearest communities that provide a variety of motels, RV parks and hotels are Anaconda and Butte. You will aloes find a good selection of restaurants, cafes and fast food chains to fit any budget. Medical facilities along with a regional airport are also available. 24/7 fuel options are located in both cities.