Hunting District 590 (Missouri Breaks)

Overview

HD 590, within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, presents a completely different elk hunting challenge: open country hunting in rugged badlands. This unit is known for its incredible scenery and unique elk behavior in the broken coulees and sagebrush. While not mountainous, the terrain is still physically demanding, with steep, slippery clay hills, deep draws, and vast distances. Public access is good within the monument, but surrounding private ranches can make entry tricky; careful study of maps is essential. Elk here are often visible from long distances, but getting within range without being spotted is a true art. Long-range shooting skills and patience are paramount. This is a limited-entry draw unit for general tags, meaning it has higher success rates due to fewer hunters. Trophy potential can be exceptional. Archery hunters must master stalking in open country. Rifle hunters will rely heavily on glassing and making long shots. Water can be scarce in some areas. Best access is often from the Fort Peck area or via C.M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge roads (check regulations). Ideal seasons are the early archery season for spot-and-stalk, or any part of the limited-entry rifle season. This unit is for patient, skilled hunters with excellent glassing and stalking abilities, and proficiency with long-range shooting. Permits are special draw tags. Trade-offs include the difficulty of drawing a tag, challenging open-country stalking, and potential for extreme weather (hot, cold, windy).

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 (#8) Access point: Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, 920 NE Main St, Lewistown, MT 59457, USA Check current permits, closures and fire restrictions with the managing agency before you commit to dates.

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