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Elk Hunting in Montana HD 540 - South Little Belt Mountains

Those portions of Meagher and Wheatland Counties lying within the following-described boundary: Beginning at Harlowton, then westerly along US Highway 12 to Spring Creek-Whitetail Cabin Road (USFS Road 274), then northerly along said road to its intersect

HD 540 - South Little Belt Mountains

Scores

Ease of Drawing
78
 
78
Success
94
 
94
Trophy Potential
24
 
24
Public Access
35
 
35
Ease of Terrain
80
 
80
Room to Breathe
59
 
59
Opportunity
19
 
19
Convenience
5
 
5
Ease of Effort
43
 
43
65
HuntScore

Access Notes

Bureau of Land Management
US Forest Service
US Fish and Wildlife Service
US Forest Service National Grasslands
Indian Reservation
State, County, City; Park and Outdoor Recreation Areas
State Wildlife/Wilderness Areas
Bureau of Reclaimation
Department of the Defense
National Park Service
State
Other Federal Land
Private

Land Ownership
Legend

Those portions of Meagher and Wheatland Counties lying within the following-described boundary: Beginning at Harlowton, then westerly along US Highway 12 to Spring Creek-Whitetail Cabin Road (USFS Road 274), then northerly along said road to its intersection with the Willow Park Road (USFS Road 189), then easterly along said road to its intersection with USFS Trail 603, then easterly along said trail to the Mt. High Lookout Tower, then easterly along USFS Road 382 to a permanent boundary marker (Wheatland/Judith Basin county line) then northeasterly along the Wheatland County line to US Highway 191, then southerly along said highway to Harlowton, the point of beginning.

County

Meagher, Wheatland

Size

584 Square Miles (373,495 Acres)

Land Ownership

35% Public, 28% USFS, 7% State

Latitude/Longitude

46.5904, -110.0916

Wildfires

Check for current or recent wildfires in this area.

Amenities

There are 0 hospitals, 0 hotels, 3 campgrounds, and 0 grocery stores within a 20 mile radius.

Elk Notes

HuntScore Tip

Public land and private land percentages can sometime be misleading. A unit may have 80% public land, but a particluar species may only occupy 20% on the entire area. And that 20% species distribution may lie 100% within private lands. Does that sound confusing? Just remember that there are always exceptions to the rule, and land ownership is just one piece of the puzzle.

State Agency Website

Visit Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Other Species in Unit

Deer, Mountain Lion,

Photos and Terrain Notes


Add a Photo

Unit Elevation Profile

HuntScore generates thousands of synthetic hikes in the unit to create an elevation profile. This profile is what you can expect to experience within a 2 mile hike from a road or trail in this unit.

Elevation in this unit ranges from 4124' to 8235' with a median elevation of 5387'. If you are preparing to hunt this unit you should train for hiking up and down slopes of 5.6%.

Distribution of Slopes From Hikes
Common Slope

This is typical incline or decline experienced while hiking from a road or trail in the unit

Elevation Range
Max Elevation: 8235'
Median Elevation: 5387'
Min Elevation: 4124'

Common Elevation Profiles

Elk Over The Counter Hunts (2020)

Below are OTC hunts available for HD 540 - South Little Belt Mountains.
Residency Species Deer Sex Manner Season Type Dates Notes
RS
E
ANY
G
OTC
all archery only seasons: 09/05 - 10/18, all regular rifle seasons: 10/24 - 11/29

Elk Drawing Stats (2020)

Total Quota
100
Licenses Drawn
100
Licenses Surplus
0
Resident Quota
90
Nonresident Quota
10
Landowner Quota
0
Youth Quota
0
58.8%
Overall Unit
1st Choice Draw Odds
Choose a hunt below to take a deeper dive into hunt scores, drawing trends, and harvest data.
Stats Apply For Sex Manner Season Type Quota Drawn Surplus Resident Draw Odds NonResident Draw Odds Min Res. Points Min NonRes. Points Notes
540-00-B
F
ANY
G
100 100 0
63.8%
34.5%
0 0

Elk Harvest Stats (2019)

Total Hunters
0
Total Harvest
350
Harvest Male
111
Harvest Female
212
0%
Average Success
Manner Season Type Sex Hunters Harvest Male Female Youth Success Rate Days Hunter
ALL
ALL
NA
N/A N/A 350
111
212
0% N/A
Any
Any
NRS
N/A N/A 94
34
48
0% N/A
Any
Any
RS
N/A N/A 256
77
164
0% N/A
HuntScore Tip: Ever hunt a unit with a 100% success rate and not see any animals? If you're nodding your head to any of these scenarios then you're one of the people who knows that statistics are a good guide, but they aren't a guarantee.

Harvests Trends

Overall harvests trends are broken down by hunt_code, manner, season, sex, type, and species of deer (if applicable) to the extent state wildlife managers provide such data.

Total Harvest

Success Rate

Days Per Hunter (To Harvest)

Weather Insights

Weather can vary by elevation. See how weather varies by elevation within a unit by selecting an elevation range. Elevation ranges are based on weather stations in or near the unit. Not all weather elements are available within the unit.

Average Temps

Use temperature ranges to plan and prepare for your hunt. Large swings indicate a good layering system should be used. Be sure to make note of the extreme temperatures as these often pose the greatest risk to hunters. If you plan on hunting in higher elevation, as a rule of thumb, expect the tempture to decrease roughly 5° for every 1000' in elevation gain.

WITH A FREE ACCOUNT GET:

  • Precip totals by month
  • Snow depth by month
  • Min/Max precip and snow depth
  • Average # of days between precip or snow event

Precipitation

The probability of precipitation is the likelihood of experience rain, snow, hail, etc... on a given day within the month. A good trick is to invert the probability to estimate how many days will pass, on average, between precipitation events. Hover or click a month to see how many days will pass between precipitation events.

Use the average and maximum precipitation events to set expetations for what rain gear to bring. Also remember that water availability can influence wildlife patterns, so be sure to check out the current weather patterns leading up to your hunt.

Snow

Each month of the year brings it's own challenges for weather. Select a month to see what you can expect and how to prepare for extreme events.

Likely Wind Directions

Wind Speed

Sunshine




Cloud Cover




Other Weather Events

Gear Recommendations for Elk Hunting From logo

Camping

Klymit Static V Luxe Sleeping Pad

Klymit Static V Luxe Sleeping Pad

The Klymit Static V Luxe is the newest addition to the Static line of sleeping pads. It represents a landmark in sleeping pad comfort, matching a massive and stable bed to a tiny pack size and an incredibly light weight. This pad make you feel like you are sleeping on your bed at home. At an incredible 30 inches wide it fits two sleepers, or a luxurious amount of rolling room for one. It features the v-chamber design which limits air movement and heat loss while offering a uniquely ergonomic body map which is optimzed for performance and comfort. Inflating via two mouth valves in approximately 15-20 breaths, it will save you time and energy while still providing luxury wherever you are.For an Side-by-Side Comparison of the different Klymit Pads check out our Comparison Chart below:

Clothing

Farm to Feet Damascus Midweight Crew Sock

Farm to Feet Damascus Midweight Crew Sock

This midweight version of the Farm to Feet Damascus sock is ideal for cooler climates or stiffer boots, with fine-gauge 19.5-micron merino wool for incredible moisture management and next-to-skin comfort. Multiple ventilation channels deliver effective airflow, while targeted full-density cushioning zones maximize comfort without adding unnecessary volume. 100% American materials and construction provide durability you can count on while racking up the miles in these merino wool hiking socks.Features:100% US Merino WoolFull-Density CushioningSeamless Toe ClosureComfort CompressionDurability Assured - Backed with Lifetime Guarantee

Food

MTN OPS Biotics - Probiotics & Enzymes

MTN OPS Biotics - Probiotics & Enzymes

BIOTICS is an advanced Pre and Probiotic blend specifically formulated to increase healthy gut bacteria, while decreasing the bad gut bacteria at the same time. Properly balancing these bacterias aids in improved digestive health, stronger gut lining and combating symptoms such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and irregular stool frequency. Improve your gut health, comfort and overall well-being with BIOTICS.USAGE: For best results take 1 serving (2 capsules) 20-30 min before any meal. Take on a daily consistent basis for best results. 80% of your immune system is stored right in your gut and that is why MTN OPS BIOTICS(TM) is so important for your daily health and wellness.

Footwear

Irish Setter Trailblazer 864 Hunting Boot

Irish Setter Trailblazer 864 Hunting Boot

Irish Setter Trailblazer mid-height hunting boots share the proven combination of materials and special features resulting in a lightweight - yet heavy-duty - hunting boot with a height that allows for more active hunting. These waterproof, non-insulated Trailblazer boots are great for hunting environments that require scrambling and a wider range of motion."These boots help you conquer the rugged terrain you encounter when you're pursuing early to mid season elk. Perfect for scrambling up steep slopes," said Charley Bryant, Irish Setter Line Manager for Red Wing Shoe Company. "These boots eliminate an entire area where boots could rub against skin and cause a hot spot. They also allow freer muscle movement in the calf area, minimizing constriction on steep slopes when muscles are working their hardest."All Irish Setter Trailblazers combine a variety of features which contribute to their comfort and durability. The genuine leather welt construction provides some flexibility with enough rigidity and torsion control for stability on uneven terrain. And the cushioning of the Comfort Cork EVA Mid-sole with Memory Foam and ScentBan(TM) Odor Inhibitor footbed comes standard on all models.Features:LeatherImportedRubber soleShaft measures approximately 6.75" from archPlatform measures approximately 0.75 inchesUltraDry WaterproofNuBuck Leather

Optics

Muddy Outdoors 650X Laser Rangefinder

Muddy Outdoors 650X Laser Rangefinder

The Muddy LR650X Laser Range Finder is about to be your new favorite range finder. With a 650 yard range, this range finder works for most hunting applications. The ABS housing and durable rubber trim protect the unit to IP54 water protection specifications. Switch between yard and meters quickly and easily.

Packs

Horn Hunter Main Beam Backpack

Horn Hunter Main Beam Backpack

For hefty loads of gear needed to get you to and from your hunt, the Main Beam comes with 8 gear compartments, weapon carrying capability, and a hydration pouch that can be used with most hydration bladders. Take all the gear you need into the wilderness, leaving behind any worries.2800 Cubic InchesMesh pockets for face masks and glovesUnique pack design allows you to access pockets while carrying bow or rifleInternal frame and molded foam contours to your backDesigned to be used with most hydration bladdersLimited contact with back and hips - provides increased ventilationSIDE WING POCKETS; specifically designed to be easily accessible - 4 separate compartments on each side5 GEAR GRIPPER PADS, protects and secures your bow, rifle, scope or tripod ear buckles allow you to add your own accessories - knife, flashlight, saw, radio, etc.Our "Gear Grippers" allow you to attach the bow by the handle, not around the string"Air Flow" belt, allows for maximum air circulation8 internal compartments to organize your gearTripod and spotting scope pouch with padded "Gear Gripper" straps

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