- Region
- Montana
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking, wildlife viewing, camping
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm current license and permit require…
- Managed by
- Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks administers hunting district information and regulations. Land management varies by parcel, with the US Forest Service the largest public landholder.
Plan with verified data
Hunting District 313 (Gardiner) trip tools
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Bear Country Food StorageBear country: canister, Ursack or hang, and the local rules.
- The 10 EssentialsDay on trail: carry the ten essentials.
- Water Purification MatrixRefilling on trail: compare treatment options.
- Layering CalculatorCool temps: build a layer stack for the climb and the summit.
How to get there
Orient the trip around Gardiner and the Yellowstone River corridor. State Highway 540, also called East River Road, and Sixmile Creek Road are named in the district's northeastern boundary description. Confirm the legal approach to the intended parcel before departure; district boundary roads do not by themselves establish trailhead access or permission to cross adjoining land.
- Gardiner
Town-based orientation point near the intersection of the Yellowstone River and Yellowstone National Park's northern boundary. A posted No Shooting Zone surrounds town; establish the applicable restricted-area boundaries before planning any hunting approach.
- East River Road and Sixmile Creek Road intersection
Named junction in the district's legal boundary description. Use it as a map-planning reference for the Sixmile Creek side of the district, not as confirmation of parking, a trailhead, or public access to adjacent parcels.
Sources: fwp.mt.gov · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Montana · United States · Season: Fall hunting seasons
- Hunting
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Horseback Riding
Overview
HD 313, bordering Yellowstone National Park, offers a unique and highly sought-after elk hunting experience. Its proximity to the park means elk frequently move in and out of the huntable areas, particularly during the late seasons as they migrate for winter range. This unit is characterized by rugged, steep terrain, dense timber, and open slopes, demanding significant physical exertion. Access is primarily via foot or horse, with numerous trailheads leading into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness or areas bordering the park. The sheer size and wild nature of this district make it less susceptible to overcrowding in its deeper reaches, though trailheads can be busy. Hunters should expect challenging weather, from early season snow to high winds. Success here often depends on hunters willing to pack in several miles, find unpressured elk, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. Its 'general' tag status makes it highly accessible for residents and non-residents alike, contributing to its popularity. Outfitters operate in the area, but DIY hunting is very possible with adequate preparation.
Best access is typically from the Gardiner area or Highway 89. The ideal season is late archery or the general rifle season, especially after the first significant snow pushes elk out of higher elevations and the park. This unit suits experienced, physically fit hunters comfortable with backcountry travel and spike camping. Permits are standard general tags; no special draw is required for the district itself. Trade-offs include unpredictable elk movements due to park proximity, demanding terrain, and potentially cold, harsh weather.
Planning notes
Where: Montana, United States Best season: Fall hunting seasons Good for: Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Camping Featured on: Top 10 Public Land Elk Units in Montana: High-Percentage Archery and Rifle (#1) Access point: Gardiner, MT 59030, USA
Check current permits, closures and fire restrictions with the managing agency before you commit to dates.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Hunting District 313 (Gardiner), United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 45.0319, -110.7058
- Latitude (DMS)
- 45° 1′ 54.8″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 110° 42′ 20.8″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Hunting District 313 (Gardiner), not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
HD 313, bordering Yellowstone National Park, offers a unique and highly sought-after elk hunting experience.
Key takeaways
- Region: Montana
- Country: United States
- Best season: Fall hunting seasons
- Good for: hiking, wildlife viewing, camping
- Coordinates: 45.032, -110.706
Intended uses
- hiking
- wildlife viewing
- camping
Climate suitability
Fall hunting seasons
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Hunting District 313 (Gardiner)
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Skiing
Ski-touring access when the road closes for the season.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
- Horseback Riding
Stock-legal trail and forage rules.
Animals around Hunting District 313 (Gardiner)
District setting and terrain
Hunting District 313 covers 194.8 square miles of Park County around Gardiner, along the northern boundary of Yellowstone National Park. The Yellowstone River, mountain divides, creek drainages, and road segments define its irregular outline. This is a hunting district, not a single recreation area with one entrance or a continuous trail network. Forest and woodland account for 47.4 percent of the district, while shrubland, steppe, and savanna make up another 28.9 percent. Smaller areas of grassland, alpine terrain, sparse or barren ground, and riparian habitat add variety. Plan for changes between wooded slopes, open country, and higher mountain terrain rather than assuming uniform travel conditions. Gardiner is the main named town for orienting a visit, but the district extends well beyond its immediate surroundings.
Ownership and hunting restrictions
Public land accounts for 85.9 percent of HD 313, but that figure does not establish a legal approach to every parcel. Private land occupies 13.8 percent, so ownership checks belong at the start of planning, not only when a fence appears. The US Forest Service is the largest public landholder represented in the district; Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, the Bureau of Land Management, and Montana State Trust Lands also appear in the ownership breakdown. A posted No Shooting Zone surrounds Gardiner, and the district map identifies a Gardiner Closure and Gardiner Big Game Restricted Area. Check current printed hunting regulations for their legal boundaries and applicable rules. The Yellowstone National Park boundary is also a district boundary, not an invitation to continue a hunt across it. Confirm land-use restrictions with the agency responsible for the parcel being considered.
Build a boundary-first trip plan
Start with the legal district description and a detailed ownership map, then select an approach that has confirmed public access. On the west side, the boundary follows features including Shooting Star Mountain, the Tom Miner-Cinnabar Basin divide, Black Mountain, and Sphinx Creek. On the east side, Sixmile Creek, East River Road, and Sixmile Creek Road provide useful orientation before the boundary climbs toward Monitor Peak. Farther south, the Mill-Hellroaring-Bear Creek divide leads toward Ash Mountain and the park boundary. These are boundary landmarks, not established hiking directions or proof of an open road. Match any proposed outing to the terrain and carry navigation that lets you track both ownership and district limits. For higher ground, pack for changing weather and greater exposure; for wooded sections, allow for more limited visibility.
Route options
- Sixmile Creek Road boundary orientation
For access planning, trace the district boundary from East River Road south along Sixmile Creek Road to its intersection with the westerly branch of Sixmile Creek. This is a legally described boundary segment, not a verified recreational itinerary. Confirm road access and adjoining ownership before using it as an approach.
- Sphinx Creek boundary study
For western-side planning, locate the boundary running from Black Mountain to the West Fork of Sphinx Creek, then down Sphinx Creek to the Yellowstone River. Treat this as an area to evaluate on detailed maps rather than a documented trail route; no trailhead or continuous public approach is established here.
Sample itineraries
- Gardiner boundary orientation · 1 day
Use Gardiner as the starting point for a boundary-focused planning day. Review the posted No Shooting Zone, Gardiner Big Game Restricted Area, and Yellowstone National Park boundary. Before entering the field, confirm land ownership, legal access, and applicable restrictions in the printed regulations.
- Two-day district reconnaissance · 2 days
Spend day one checking ownership and access around the Yellowstone River and Sixmile Creek boundary segments. On day two, scout a verified legal area suited to conditions and fitness. Treat Monitor Peak and the district's creek divides as boundary landmarks, not established routes.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring
Plan conservatively for changing mountain conditions across forest, shrubland, and alpine terrain. Check current ground conditions before choosing an outing; the district boundary does not establish road or trail accessibility.
Summer
Summer
Forest covers nearly half the district, but shrubland and sparse terrain offer less shelter. Carry water, sun protection, and weather layers. Verify access rather than assuming mapped public ownership guarantees an approach.
Fall
Fall
Prepare for colder mountain weather and changing conditions. For hunting, check current district regulations before setting dates or selecting an area. Keep ownership boundaries and Gardiner's posted shooting restrictions available offline.
Winter
Winter
Cold and snow can complicate mountain travel. Choose objectives that match current conditions and equipment, and carry insulation and emergency supplies. Do not assume roads or higher terrain remain accessible.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring | Plan conservatively for changing mountain conditions across forest, shrubland, and alpine terrain. Check current ground conditions before choosing an outing; the district boundary does not establish road or trail accessibility. |
| Summer | Summer | Forest covers nearly half the district, but shrubland and sparse terrain offer less shelter. Carry water, sun protection, and weather layers. Verify access rather than assuming mapped public ownership guarantees an approach. |
| Fall | Fall | Prepare for colder mountain weather and changing conditions. For hunting, check current district regulations before setting dates or selecting an area. Keep ownership boundaries and Gardiner's posted shooting restrictions available offline. |
| Winter | Winter | Cold and snow can complicate mountain travel. Choose objectives that match current conditions and equipment, and carry insulation and emergency supplies. Do not assume roads or higher terrain remain accessible. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current license and permit requirements with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Consult printed regulations for official rules, legal boundaries, and land-use restrictions before hunting.
Official source: [PDF] Deer/Elk Hunting District 313 - Gardiner - Montana FWP · Verified October 18, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Boundary mistakes near Gardiner: a posted No Shooting Zone surrounds town, and the map identifies a Gardiner Big Game Restricted Area and Gardiner Closure. Confirm their legal limits before hunting.
- Private land accounts for 13.8 percent of the district. Public acreage does not establish permission to cross intervening private property.
- Yellowstone National Park forms part of the district boundary. Use the legal description and reliable navigation rather than treating nearby terrain as interchangeable hunting ground.
- Mountain weather and exposed alpine or sparse terrain call for conservative objectives, weather layers, and a clear turnaround plan.
- Creeks and the Yellowstone River define several boundary segments. Do not treat a mapped boundary line as a travel route or crossing recommendation.
What to pack for Hunting District 313 (Gardiner)
- Current printed hunting regulations
- District map and legal boundary description
- Offline ownership maps
- GPS or compass with backup navigation
- Copies of required hunting documents
- Weather-resistant outer layer
- Insulating layers
- Sturdy footwear
- Sun protection
- Cold-weather gloves and hat as conditions require
- Drinking water and treatment method
- Food
- First-aid kit
- Headlamp
- Emergency shelter
- Reliable communication device
Hunting District 313 (Gardiner) FAQ
- Where is Hunting District 313?
- HD 313 lies in Park County around Gardiner, along Yellowstone National Park's northern boundary. Its legal boundary follows portions of the Yellowstone River, creeks, roads, peaks, and mountain divides.
- How large is the district, and how much is public?
- The district totals 194.8 square miles. Public land accounts for 167.4 square miles, or 85.9 percent; private land accounts for 26.9 square miles. Verify ownership and access for the specific parcel you intend to visit.
- What terrain should visitors expect?
- Forest and woodland cover 47.4 percent of the district, followed by shrubland, steppe, and savanna at 28.9 percent. Smaller areas include grassland, sparse or barren ground, alpine terrain, and riparian habitat. Prepare for varied cover and exposure.
- Can the district map serve as the final legal authority?
- No. It is a guide. Printed regulations provide official rules and legal boundary descriptions. Each hunter is responsible for knowing land ownership and applicable land-use restrictions.
- Are the boundary roads and peaks recommended access routes?
- No. State Highway 540, also called East River Road, and Sixmile Creek Road appear in the legal boundary description. Peaks and creek divides also define boundaries. Their inclusion does not establish trail access, parking, crossing permission, or suitable travel conditions.
- What needs special attention near Gardiner?
- A No Shooting Zone is posted around town. The district map also identifies the Gardiner Big Game Restricted Area and Gardiner Closure. Check current regulations and on-site postings rather than assuming the district designation allows hunting everywhere.