Tips for Bitterroot Hunters
- All hunters during the firearm deer season should wear "hunter orange" (hat, cap, vest, jacket or rain gear). It must be the outermost garment and be visible from all sides. Also, put an orange vest or bright bandana on pets (dogs, horses, etc.)
- Hunters should treat every firearm as if it were loaded and be careful where they point the muzzle.
- Hunters should be sure of their target and the area beyond it.
- Know where your hunting partners are at all times and never assume you are alone in the woods.
- Every hunter should carry: map, compass, flashlight, extra food and water, extra clothes, sunglasses, first-aid kit, pocket knife, waterproof matches, and firestarter.
- Take a Wilderness First Aid Course.
- If you plan on drinking water from streams or lakes, don't forget a water filter or chemical purification.
- Be aware that there may be bears in the area, store food properly. Also, carcasses should not be closer than 100 yards to your sleeping area.
- Your cell phone can save your life, but don't depend on having sufficient coverage, particularly in remote parts of the Bitterroot National Forest.
- Don't become someone our local search and rescue crews need to find! Be prepared!
- Please follow the 'Pack It In, Pack It Out' and 'Leave No Trace' principles while camping.
Contact the Bitterroot National Forest
Be sure to stop in one of the offices to get a Bitterroot National Forest map. Maps are sold in two parts, split into the North and South halves of the forest. We have five locations in the valley:
- Forest Supervisor's Office
1801 N. 1st
Hamilton, MT 59840
(406) 363-7100 - Stevensville Ranger District
88 Main
Stevensville, MT 59870
(406) 777-5461 - Darby Ranger District
712 N. Main
Darby, MT 59829
(406) 821-3913 - Sula Ranger District
7338 Hwy. 93 S.
Sula, MT 59871
(406) 821-3201 - West Fork Ranger District
6735 West Fork Rd.
Darby, MT 59829
(406) 821-3269
