#10 on this list
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.
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#1 on this list
Hunting District 314
Montana, USA
HD 314, encompassing a significant portion of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, is a premier backcountry elk hunting destination. This unit is rugged and demands a high level of physical fitness and self-sufficiency. Access is primarily via trailheads off US-212 (Beartooth Highway) or from the Paradise Valley. Expect long pack-ins, unpredictable weather, and potential grizzly encounters. The reward is a truly wild elk hunt with good chances at mature bulls that often elude hunters in more accessible areas. Archery season and the early rifle season (general) offer the best opportunities before snow pushes elk to lower elevations. This isn't a unit for the faint of heart or those without wilderness experience, but for the prepared hunter, it's an exceptional experience. Permits are general tag for elk. Fees include state hunting license and conservation stamp.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Hunting District 390 | Hunting District 314 |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Elkhorn Mountains, S of Helena, MT | South-Central Montana, Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness |
| Primary Land | Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest | — |
| Terrain | Steep timber, open parks, mountainous | Rugged mountains, high elevations, dense timber, alpine |
| Primary Game | Elk (general tag) | Elk (General Tag) |
| Access | Forest service roads | — |
| Elevation Range | Approx. 4,500-9,400 ft | — |
| Typical Access | — | Trailheads via US-212 / Paradise Valley |
| Permits | — | Montana General Elk Tag, Conservation Stamp |
| Hazards | — | Grizzlies, extreme weather, challenging terrain |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Hunting District 390
- Consistent elk populations on public land
- Diverse terrain offers varied hunting strategies
- Good network of forest service road access
- Opportunity to harvest a general elk tag animal
- High hunting pressure during peak seasons
- Rugged terrain demands significant physical exertion
- Variable weather conditions can be challenging
- Significant roadless areas require deep hikes
Hunting District 314
- True backcountry wilderness elk hunting experience
- Excellent potential for mature bull elk encounters
- Minimal pressure once deep into the wilderness
- Stunning, untamed mountain scenery
- High reward for experienced, prepared hunters
- Extremely high physical demand and fitness required
- Significant grizzly bear activity and associated risks
- Unpredictable and severe weather conditions possible
- Requires extensive wilderness experience and self-sufficiency
- Long, arduous pack-ins and pack-outs
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