Top 10 Montana Public Elk Units · #4
Hunting District 310
Southwest Montana, USA

Located primarily within the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area and surrounding national forest lands, HD 310 offers a true backcountry elk hunting experience. This unit boasts high elevations, alpine basins, and vast timbered slopes, with elk often found above tree line during the early season. Nearest towns like Cooke City or Red Lodge provide basic services, but most access points require significant travel. Access into the wilderness is often by horseback or via long hikes from designated trailheads. Archery hunters often find success bugling in September. Rifle season, especially later in the year, can be brutal with extreme cold and heavy snow. This unit is not for the faint of heart; hunters must be proficient in wilderness navigation, self-sufficient, and capable of handling severe weather. Grizzly bears are common. The reward can be a truly mature bull, often less pressured than those in more accessible units. Expect to pack in and out on foot or with stock, meaning a good pack frame and strong legs are essential.
Full profile in progress
We're building out complete profiles for every pick on every list — weather windows, wildlife, key attractions, and permit logistics. This entry is next in the queue. In the meantime, the ranked note above is our short answer for why it made the list.
Hunting District 310 — frequently asked questions
- Is Hunting District 310 worth the trip?
- We rank it #4 in Top 10 Montana Public Elk Units. Located primarily within the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area and surrounding national forest lands, HD 310 offers a true backcountry elk hunting experience. This unit boasts high elevations, alpine basins, and vast timbered slopes, with elk often found above tree line during the early season.

