#5 on this list
Hunting District 390
Southwest Montana, USA
Bordering Yellowstone National Park, HD 390 is known for its migratory elk herds and vast public land in the Gallatin National Forest. This unit is characterized by rugged mountains, deep canyons, and expansive forests. Gardiner, at the north entrance to Yellowstone, is the primary access point and nearest town. Early archery season can be good for resident elk, while the late rifle season, often extending into December, can be exceptional as elk migrate out of Yellowstone. This late season hunting can be brutally cold and requires specialized gear and knowledge of elk movement patterns. Hunter pressure can be high, particularly during peak migration periods and around park boundaries. Be prepared for deep snow, icy conditions, and unpredictable elk movements. Grizzly bears are abundant. Success often depends on understanding the specific migration routes and being in the right place at the right time. The terrain is steep and often unforgiving, demanding excellent physical condition.
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#6 on this list
Hunting District 410
Southwest Montana, USA
HD 410, encompassing parts of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in the Gravelly Range, is a popular unit known for its high-elevation, open country elk hunting. Nearest towns include Sheridan, Ennis, and Virginia City. Access is generally good via forest service roads, though many require 4x4 vehicles. Archery season in September can be excellent, with bulls often found in the wide-open sagebrush parks and timbered draws. Rifle season sees more pressure, but careful scouting and a willingness to hike can lead to success. The Gravelly Range is characterized by rolling hills that can turn into steep, timbered canyons, offering a mix of terrain. Weather can be highly unpredictable; high winds are common, and early snows can make access challenging. This unit holds a good population of elk, and the more open terrain can make spotting easier, though getting close can be difficult. Be prepared for long shots and potentially long retrieves from steep country. Grizzly bear encounters are less common than in other western units, but still possible.
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Hunting District 390 | Hunting District 410 |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Southwest Montana, USA | Southwest Montana, Gravelly Range |
| Primary Access | Gardiner, MT | — |
| Public Land | Gallatin National Forest | — |
| Key Feature | Yellowstone Elk Migration | — |
| Terrain | Rugged mountains, deep canyons | — |
| Primary Land | — | Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest |
| Nearest Towns | — | Sheridan, Ennis, Virginia City |
| Elevation Range | — | Variable, high-elevation focus |
| Target Species | — | Elk, Deer |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Hunting District 390
- High potential for trophy bull elk during migration
- Vast public land access bordering Yellowstone
- Exceptional late-season hunting opportunities
- Opportunity to experience a true wilderness hunt
- Brutally cold weather and deep snow in late season
- Extremely rugged and physically demanding terrain
- High hunter pressure, especially near park boundaries
- Abundant grizzly bear population; constant vigilance required
Hunting District 410
- Consistent elk populations across diverse public land
- Opportunities for both archery and rifle hunters
- Vast, open country allows for extensive glassing
- Good network of Forest Service road access points
- Weather is highly unpredictable and can be extreme
- Heavy hunting pressure during rifle season
- Challenging terrain requires good physical fitness
- Potential for long retrieves in steep, remote areas
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.