Deer hunting can be done with a general tag in Unit 304. This district encompasses parts of the Custer Gallatin National Forest and the Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area. The district is home to a good number of mule deer, with about two-thirds of the population residing on private land. This allows bucks to reach maturity and a few trophy-worthy bucks are harvested in this unit every year.
This district is divided into two distinct hunting areas: the Bridger Mountains, which require a draw tag for hunting district 312-50, and the rest of the unit, which is a general tag. Located just North of Bozeman, this unit is 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 rivate 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 mule deer 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 this unit offers a good opportunity for hunters to pursue trophy-sized mule deer due to the high amount of private land in the area.
Located south of Helena, Unit 335 encompasses the Boulder Mountains and the surrounding foothills west of I-15. This district offers mule deer hunting on an unlimited draw tag. The trophy quality of the deer is generally better on private land, as public land bucks often struggle to reach maturity. Some good mule deer bucks generally come out of the southeast portion of the district.
Unit 380 is a prime location for hunting mature mule deer bucks. It is a permit-only unit, but it boasts impressive harvest numbers and good success rates each year, most of which are harvested later in the year during the rut. Mule deer are widely distributed throughout the district and can be found in good numbers.
Mule deer 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.
Mule deer 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.
This general hunt unit is located in northcentral Montana, with nearly all land being farmed. The best thing about this district is the minimal pressure on wildlife. The land has very little topography; however, some breaks can be found along rivers and creeks.
This general hunt unit is situated in northcentral Montana, where the majority of the land is used for dryland farming. The terrain is relatively flat, with only slight variations in the form of breaks in the landscape along major rivers and creeks. Despite the relatively unvaried topography, this area is known to be home to a number of good bucks.
This hunt district, which is a general unit for mule deer, is located in the picturesque Missouri River Breaks region. It offers a wealth of hunting opportunities, with a large population of mule deer dispersed throughout the area. The greatest concentration of mule deer can be found on private land.
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. This district is also considered an opportunity area for mule deer, with general populations evenly dispersed throughout the region, with the majority of does and young bucks found on private land at lower elevations.
Hunt District 412, located in central Montana, encompasses the Judith Mountain Range and the North and South Moccasin Ranges. Mule deer can be hunted in this district using a general tag, and the population of these animals has remained strong in recent years.