Top Montana Public Land Elk Units · #8
Hunting District 216
Montana, USA
HD 216 is part of the Scapegoat Wilderness and surrounding national forest lands in the northern Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. This is a true wilderness experience, requiring pack animals or significant backpacking effort. Access points include trailheads near Augusta or Lincoln. Elk populations are strong, and the potential for a mature bull is high for those willing to venture deep into the backcountry. The terrain is vast and rugged, with heavy timber, open parks, and high alpine areas. Weather is a major factor, with early snows common. Grizzly bears are abundant. This unit is for experienced wilderness hunters only. General elk tag. Expect standard Montana hunting license and stamp fees.
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 216 — frequently asked questions
- Is Hunting District 216 worth the trip?
- We rank it #8 in Top Montana Public Land Elk Units. HD 216 is part of the Scapegoat Wilderness and surrounding national forest lands in the northern Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. This is a true wilderness experience, requiring pack animals or significant backpacking effort.

