Top Montana Public Land Elk Units · #10
Hunting District 390
Montana, USA
HD 390, covering parts of the Elkhorn Mountains south of Helena, offers a classic public land elk hunting experience. The unit is primarily within the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. It's characterized by steep, timbered slopes and some open parks. Access is decent via forest service roads. Elk populations are solid, and the unit consistently produces. Like many accessible units, hunting pressure can be high, particularly during the general rifle season. Success often comes from hiking into roadless areas or patiently hunting dense cover. Expect variable weather and a good workout. General elk tag. Fees for licenses and stamps.
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 390 — frequently asked questions
- Is Hunting District 390 worth the trip?
- We rank it #10 in Top Montana Public Land Elk Units. HD 390, covering parts of the Elkhorn Mountains south of Helena, offers a classic public land elk hunting experience. The unit is primarily within the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.

