This hunting district is located in west-central Montana, just east of Missoula. Due to its proximity to a large city, it experiences a high volume of hunters. The terrain can be challenging to navigate, but numerous logging and mining roads facilitate access. Hunters can pursue whitetail and elk with a general tag. However, the average age of animals in this district tends to be low, which limits the potential for trophy-quality specimens.
Nestled in the stunning Gallatin Valley, this unit is bordered by the Gallatin River to the west. It offers fantastic hunting opportunities, with breathtaking views. Hunters with this general tag elk license have an excellent chance to get into elk during both the residential archery season and the migratory rifle season.
Being a general elk unit located just North of Bozeman makes this unit extremely convenient for folks flying in to Bozeman or even driving along I-90. However with that convenience, comes increased pressure at the limited access points of the Bridger Range. Private land or accessing public land through private land can be a big help here. Expect diverse terrain with some steep slopes and timber once you're out of the valley.
This general elk unit covers the west slope of the Crazy Mountains and many hunters find success in the area every year. Access to the national forests can be difficult in certain areas, but a large portion of the elk in this unit spend time on the adjacent ranches. The balance of public and private provides good opportunities on mature bulls!
This hunting district lies just north of Yellowstone National Park and runs alongside the Yellowstone River. Hunters can pursue both deer and elk in the same season using general licenses for each species.
This expansive district is located in southwest Montana and encompasses a significant portion of the region. It features several prominent mountain ranges, including the Greenhorn and Gravelly ranges. Elk populations in this area are among the highest in the state.
Located south of Helena, general elk Unit 335 encompasses the Boulder Mountains and the surrounding foothills west of I-15. This district has numerous roads and trails running through elk habitat, which means a lot of pressure. Hunting for elk in this area will be generally better on private land.
Montana elk unit 380 is known as a management unit for trophy elk, and hunters frequently harvest impressive bulls from this unit each year. If you are fortunate enough to draw a tag for this unit, your chances of encountering a mature bull are higher compared to surrounding units.
Elk hunting can be done in Unit 390 with a general tag. Located in west central Montana just northwest of Bozeman, this district is made up of 90% private lands and can be a challenging place to hunt without prearranged access. The remaining 10% of public opportunities are subject to extreme pressure.
Located in central Montana by Canyon Ferry Reservoir, this district provides a diverse hunting experience for all types of hunters. With abundant wildlife populations, excellent access, and a significant amount of public land, it promises a rewarding outing for anyone seeking to hunt in the area.
Elk hunting can be done in Unit 393 with a general tag. This district, located in southwest Montana on the east slope of the Bridger Mountains, is renowned for its high population of game animals, both deer and elk. In addition to providing excellent hunting opportunities, it is also renowned for its stunning natural scenery.
Located in north-central Montana, east of the Rocky Mountains, this area is predominantly agricultural, situated in the heart of Montana's wheat-producing "Golden Triangle." The landscape is mostly flat, with minimal elevation changes except for some breaks along the major rivers and creeks.
Located in the stunning Missouri River Breaks region, this hunt district is highly coveted for its excellent elk hunting opportunities. It is known for its impressive elk population, with some of the finest bulls in eastern Montana found in this area. The district's rugged terrain, featuring steep, wooded breaks and open ridges, as well as the presence of two rivers with cottonwood bottoms, provides ample opportunities for spot-and-stalk hunting. Drawing a tag in this unit is extremely competitive, making it a highly sought-after destination for elk hunters.
Located in the Snowy and Little Snowy Mountains of central Montana, south of Lewistown, this hunt district is renowned for its stunning natural scenery as well as its exceptional hunting opportunities. It is considered one of the premier districts in the state for elk, although obtaining a permit can be challenging.
Hunt District 412, located in central Montana, encompasses the Judith Mountain Range and the North and South Moccasin Ranges. Elk hunting in Unit 412 requires a draw permit and can be challenging due to the mix of private and public land in the district.
This district is found in central Montana just south of Great Falls. Excellent opportunities can be found in this district, especially since the unit is a general tag for elk. In general, hunters can expect a fun hunt in this district with good chances for a great experience and harvest.
This hunting district is located on the western edge of the Missouri River Breaks, on the south side of the Missouri River. The rugged terrain provides ample opportunities for extensive foot travel and encourages hunters to spend significant time glassing the landscape. Bull elk requires a draw for both archery and rifle seasons.
This district is situated in central Montana, just south of the Missouri River and west of the renowned “Missouri River Breaks.” While it isn’t officially part of the “Breaks,” it shares similar habitat characteristics, albeit with more agricultural land compared to the neighboring districts to the east. The landscape features extensive agricultural fields and cattle pastures, interspersed with long, rugged drainages that descend into expansive river bottoms. This area is experiencing a growing elk population.
Situated southeast of Great Falls, this unit encompasses the Highwood Mountains. Much like the renowned Big and Little Belt Mountains, this range rises dramatically from the plains to the east of the Continental Divide.
Unit 515 is situated in south central Montana, northwest of Billings and north of Columbus. This general unit is bordered by the Musselshell River to the north and the Yellowstone River to the south. This district is home to a significant population of elk, with a high number of these animals being harvested each year during both the archery and rifle seasons, which are both general seasons.
This vast hunt district in southern Montana offers a range of hunting opportunities. While the majority of the district can be hunted with a general tag for elk, a small portion in the southeast corner requires a limited draw elk tag. Trophy bulls can be found in the remote areas of the district as well as on private lands with restricted access.
Unit 535 is located in central Montana, north of Roundup and south of Winnett. It is bounded by the Musselshell River on the south and east, and is mostly private land. The Big Snowy Mountains are located just to the north, while the Little Snowy Mountains are in the northwest corner of the unit. This unit is a draw unit for elk. The elk population is primarily concentrated in the Little Snowy Mountains.
This Hunt District is situated in south-central Montana, north of Big Timber and south of Harlowton. It encompasses the northern and eastern sides of the Crazy Mountains. The area is predominantly private land, making access challenging. It is advisable to secure permission before hunting this unit.
Unit 590 is located east of Billings and south of Roundup, and includes the Bull Mountains to the north of the Yellowstone River and Pine Ridge to the south of the river. This unit offers a chance to hunt for branch antlered bulls, but hunters can also use a general tag to hunt for antlerless or spike deer.
Situated on the north side of the Missouri River, this rugged terrain provides ample opportunities for extensive foot travel and encourages hunters to spend considerable time observing the landscape through their optics.
This hunting district is located in the northcentral part of the state and includes the Bears Paw Mountain Range, which is located north of the Missouri River and south of the town of Havre. The Rocky Boy Indian Reservation is situated within the district, which presents challenges for both hunters and game managers. The Bears Paws are known for producing some of the top trophy bull elk in the state, with giant bulls being taken and trophy-class bulls being found every year. This is a very competitive draw unit for elk.
Hunt District 700 is found in eastern Montana, within the renowned Missouri River Breaks region. This district provides excellent hunting opportunities along with stunning landscapes.
This hunting district is located in east-central Montana, just north of Miles City. The area features a mix of state, BLM, and private lands, making access challenging; however, many ranches participate in Montana’s Block Management program, allowing hunters entry to private properties. The average elk harvested is typically a raghorn. While competition can be intense, the large game populations mean that knowledgeable hunters should have little trouble filling their tags. Elk hunting for branch-antlered bulls is restricted to permit holders in the southwestern corner of the district, while spikes and cows are available on a general tag throughout the area.
This hunting district is situated between the Bighorn River and the Tongue River in southeastern Montana. While the area is predominantly private land, it does support some quality game. Hunters can easily access this unit for day trips from either Billings or Miles City with just a short drive.
This hunting district is situated between the Tongue and Powder Rivers. It offers a stunning landscape for hunting, featuring rolling prairies, expansive sagebrush flats, wooded buttes, and steep river breaks.