#8 on this list
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.
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#9 on this list
Hunting District 310
Montana, USA
HD 310 is located in the Bridger Mountains just north of Bozeman. This unit is known for its steep, challenging terrain but also for consistent elk populations. It's largely within the Gallatin National Forest. Due to its proximity to Bozeman, it receives significant pressure, especially on weekends. However, determined hunters willing to climb and get off the main trails can find success. Elk often hold in dense timber and steep drainages. Early season (archery) can be good, and snow often pushes elk to accessible areas in the late season. General elk tag. Standard state hunting license and conservation stamp fees.
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Hunting District 216 | Hunting District 310 |
|---|---|---|
| Location | NW Montana, Scapegoat/Bob Marshall Wilderness | Bridger Mountains, North of Bozeman, Montana |
| Primary Access | Augusta or Lincoln trailheads | — |
| Terrain Type | Rugged, timbered, alpine, open parks | — |
| Wildlife Concern | Abundant Grizzly Bears | — |
| Hunting Tag | General Elk Tag (Montana) | — |
| Recommended Skill | Experienced Wilderness Hunter | — |
| Primary Land Use | — | Gallatin National Forest |
| Terrain | — | Steep, timbered slopes, deep drainages, rocky peaks |
| Elk Population | — | Consistent presence, often high density |
| Primary Tag | — | Montana General Elk Tag |
| Access | — | Good road access, challenging interior travel |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Hunting District 216
- High potential for mature bulls
- True wilderness experience
- Low hunting pressure deep in backcountry
- Abundant elk populations
- Stunning, wild landscapes
- Requires significant physical and logistical effort
- High grizzly bear density requires constant vigilance
- Unpredictable and extreme weather conditions
- Remote, limited cell service and emergency access
Hunting District 310
- Consistent elk populations
- Public land accessible with general tag
- Challenging terrain rewards dedicated hunters
- Proximity to Bozeman offers amenities
- High hunter pressure, especially weekends
- Very steep and physically demanding terrain
- Elk often hold in thick, difficult cover
- Grizzly bear presence requires vigilance
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.