Located in northwest Montana near the Idaho border, just south of Libby, this hunting district showcases steep terrain and challenging ground cover, along with a significant portion of the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness. Hunters can expect to see a healthy population of deer, although the average age of harvested animals tends to be relatively low. While some mature bucks inhabit the area, locating them can be quite challenging due to the rugged landscape. Although encounters with grizzly bears are rare, they can occur in the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness, so it's important to take necessary precautions.
Hunt District 122 covers most of the Thompson River drainage in western Montana. Hunters can pursue deer throughout the seasons using a general license.
This distinctive unit is situated in the west-central part of the state and is designated exclusively for archery use. It provides a traditional tree stand experience for whitetail hunting in some stunning river bottom terrain.
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 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.
Located in the picturesque Gallatin Valley, this unit boasts the Gallatin River as its western border. The terrain of the unit offers fantastic hunting opportunities, with breathtaking views. Deer hunting can be done with a general license. In particular, unit 301 is home to a large population of whitetail deer, which can primarily be found in the northern part of the district where agricultural land provides excellent habitat for these animals.
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. Whitetails tend to favor creeks and river bottoms on private lands. The Madison and Gallatin Rivers also both have numerous creeks that flow into them, providing ideal home ranges for mature bucks.
This general unit is referred to as the Gallatin Valley Weapons Restriction Area and includes the suburban areas around Bozeman, Gallatin Gateway, and Belgrade. Legal weapons for hunting in this district include archery equipment, shotguns, muzzleloaders, traditional handguns, and crossbows, which can be used at any time during the general season. The district is home to a large number of whitetail deer, which are primarily concentrated along riverbottoms.
Being a general whitetail 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 rivate land can be a big help here. Expect diverse terrain with some steep slopes and timber once you're out of the valley. You'll find the the majority of the whitetail population in agricultural fields and river bottoms west of the Bridger Mountains.
This unit is found in the stunning Paradise Valley, with the Yellowstone River marking its eastern boundary. It offers excellent backcountry hunting opportunities alongside breathtaking scenery. Hunters can pursue deer throughout the seasons using a general license.
This general whitetail unit covers the west slope of the Crazy Mountains and many hunters find success in the area every year. Since about 80% of this unit is private land with intermittent agriculture, whitetail deer can be found in much of the area. These deer naturally seek out areas with dense cover and nearby access to food and water. When scouting for a mature buck, it is recommended to start with any areas that include creek bottoms and irrigated fields.
This hunting district lies just north of Yellowstone National Park and runs alongside the Yellowstone River. Hunters can pursue deer throughout the seasons using a general license.
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. Whitetail deer are abundant.
Unit 380 is a prime location for hunting whitetail deer. It is a general unit for whitetail, but it boasts impressive harvest numbers and good success rates each year, most of which are harvested later in the year during the rut. Whitetail are widely distributed throughout the district but can be found in higher concentration in the southern portions.
Whitetail 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 general hunt district is mostly cattle rangeland and dryland farming ground. Located in northcentral Montana west of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, this wide open prairie should bode well for deer hunters. Disease in this unit has done a number on the buck size; however, populations are slowly recovering.
This hunt district, which is a general unit for whitetail, is located in the picturesque Missouri River Breaks region. It offers a wealth of hunting opportunities, with a large population of deer dispersed throughout the area. The greatest concentration of whitetail 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. The district is home to good populations of whitetail deer, which tend to concentrate around private lands and river bottoms, and offers favorable hunting conditions overall.
Hunt District 412, located in central Montana, encompasses the Judith Mountain Range and the North and South Moccasin Ranges. Sportsmen can hunt whitetail deer in this district with a general tag, with higher densities of these deer found in the foothills. Whitetail deer may be more difficult to spot early in the season, but their numbers tend to increase as the rut progresses in November.
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. In general, hunters can expect a fun hunt in this district with good chances for a great experience and harvest.
Located in the renowned Little Belt Mountains of central Montana, this district features a robust blend of dense, forested mountains and productive wintering grounds, providing excellent opportunities for hunters during the season. It offers good road access, along with some roadless regions for those seeking a more remote experience. With ample public land and thriving game populations, hunters are likely to enjoy their time in this area.
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. Whitetail deer can be hunted with a general deer license for both archery and rifle seasons.