Elk Hunting

Montana Elk Hunting: Bitterroot National Forest

Bitterroot National Forest Elk Hunting

Elk hunting throughout the Bitterroot National Forest remains excellent. Elk numbers remain near objectives despite an increasing wolf population. Access to public hunting land is nothing short of outstanding. And some of the best outfitters in the business provide guided elk hunts in the Bitterroot.

Montana Elk Hunting District 240-West Bitterroot

District 240 covers the majority of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness in Montana.

This extremely rugged country is home to the Selway-Bitterroot Elk Herd, the largest naturally surviving elk herd in the world.
The majority of elk hunting district 240 is roadless and requires long treks to find elk. And if you are successful, getting an elk out is an enormous task. The weather is unpredictable, so you must be prepared to deal with the elements. September snowfall
is the norm. If planning a hunt in elk hunting district 240, it would be advisable to hire one of the Bitterroot’s quality outfitters.

Montana Elk Hunting District 204-North Sapphire

District 204 lies on the northeast side of the Bitterroot Valley, in the Sapphire Mountains. There is good elk habitat and excellent elk populations throughout elk hunting district 204.

Montana Elk Hunting District 261-East Bitterroot

District 261 is immediately south of district 204. Road access is good in much of elk hunting district 261, which drives hunting pressure higher than less accessible areas. Despite slightly higher hunting pressure, elk hunting district 261 remains a great place to fill your tag.

Montana Elk Hunting District 270-East Fork Bitterroot

District 270 lies south of elk hunting district 261. Elk hunting district 270 includes portions of the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. Much of this area burned in the fires of 2000 which has created outstanding elk habitat. There is a major elk migration route and substantial elk wintering grounds within elk hunting district 270. Road access is good in some areas, absent in the Wilderness and there are many gated roads that are closed to motorized travel. Guided elk hunts are available through several quality outfitters.

Montana Elk Hunting District 250-West Fork Bitterroot

Alert – 2011 Elk Hunting Season: Montana Elk Hunting District 250 is far below population objectives. Due to extremely low calf:cow recruitment ratios, improving the elk herd is likely to take several years. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks biologists in conjunction with the Bitterroot Elk Working Group have recommended changes to the elk hunting permits in 250. If the Montana Commission adopts these recommendations, there will likely be a draw for 25 browtined bulls and no cow tags for the next several years in an effort to turn this declining elk herd around.

District 250 is a large area encompassing the entire West Fork Bitterroot region. Portions of elk hunting district 250 are within the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. There are other large roadless areas that are not designated Wilderness in elk hunting district 250. Road access is decent in a few areas. For the most part, elk hunting district 250 is remote, rugged country. Non-resident hunters would be wise to hire an outfitter if planning to hunt this unit.

Montana Elk Hunting District 260-Bitterroot-Clark Fork Archery District

District 260 is almost all private land. Access is extremely difficult. District 260 is the river bottom of the Bitterroot River. There are good numbers of elk in portions of 260. If you are fortunate enough to acquire permission to hunt in the river bottom and the property contains an elk herd, I suggest you buy a Lotto ticket immediately.

Montana Elk Hunting Districts 216-West Rock Creek-Quigg Peak and 211-Upper Rock Creek

Districts 216 and 211 are popular units that border the Bitterroot National Forest. These units offer diverse landscape from high mountain meadows to deep, dark, heavily forested drainages. Keep these elk hunting districts in mind when planning your Montana elk hunting trip.

Montana Wolf Hunting Information