Unit 126 (Marias Pass / Two Medicine Country)

Montana Hunting Guide — Moose

HD 126 straddles the Marias Pass area and Two Medicine drainage on the east slope of the Continental Divide, providing excellent Shiras moose habitat in the lodgepole-willow transition zone below Glacier National Park's southern boundary. This once-in-a-lifetime permit gives access to moose in one of Montana's most scenically dramatic hunting landscapes.

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Moose Hunting in Unit 126

Where to Find Moose in HD 126

HD 126 moose concentrate in the Two Medicine drainage and the willow-rimmed lake systems below the Continental Divide in the Marias Pass area on the Lewis and Clark NF.

Two Medicine Creek System

Two Medicine Creek and its tributaries support robust moose populations. The broad valley floor features extensive willow meadows and shallow oxbow areas that moose use intensively. Glass from the valley rim at dawn for moose feeding in open areas before retreating to timber.

Lodgepole Regeneration Stands

Post-disturbance lodgepole regeneration areas near Marias Pass provide dense browse that moose exploit. Look for fresh moose sign — broken branch tips, stripped bark, and large tracks — on recent burns and cut-over areas to identify active feeding zones before the season opens.

How to Hunt Moose in HD 126

HD 126 is more accessible than deep Wilderness moose districts, allowing road-assisted scouting and shorter pack-outs.

Two Medicine Valley Glassing

The Two Medicine valley road system allows driving to glass points above the willow bottoms. Identify staging areas where moose feed before first light. Move in from the downwind side after locating animals and use natural terrain features to screen your approach.

Rut Calling Near Marias Pass

September rut hunting near Marias Pass benefits from the Pass's traffic masking ambient noise. Cow calls on calm mornings in the valley bottom can attract bulls traveling between drainage systems. The divide-crossing terrain concentrates moose movement through predictable low-elevation corridors.

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Moose Success Rates

Montana moose permit holders statewide post 60–80% success. HD 126's accessible terrain and good moose density in the Two Medicine system position this district at the high end of the success range for well-prepared hunters.

Moose Draw Odds

Draw odds data not available for this specific unit/species combination in our database.

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HD 126 moose is once-in-a-lifetime for Montana residents with very limited quotas. Preference points are essential for competitive odds given large annual applicant pools. Review FWP drawing statistics each spring and commit to applying consistently to accumulate points.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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Camp Sites

Two Medicine USFS campground and dispersed camping on Lewis and Clark NF. Marias Pass area has dispersed camping along USFS roads.

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Water

Good — Two Medicine Creek system. Always filter or treat surface water.

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Road Conditions

Hwy 2 along Marias Pass provides paved access. Two Medicine Road is paved to the campground. Side drainages on gravel forest roads.

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Terrain Difficulty

Moderate — valley bottom terrain with accessible approach routes. Pack-out of moose is the primary logistical consideration.

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Hunting Pressure

Very light — small permit pool. Highway proximity can attract some non-hunting traffic.

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Weather

Continental Divide weather at Marias Pass can be extreme — snow and high wind are possible by late September. Be prepared year-round.

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Nearest Town

East Glacier Park Village (limited services) or Browning (full services, 30 min east).

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Permit Notes

Once-in-a-lifetime for MT residents.

Note: HD 126's highway access makes it one of the more logistically convenient Montana moose units — pack-out distances are manageable with a proper vehicle.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is HD 126 accessible for moose hunters without horses?

Yes — compared to deep Wilderness districts, HD 126's Two Medicine valley system and highway proximity make it one of Montana's more foot-accessible moose units. Horses help with pack-out but are not essential for most areas.

Are grizzly bears present in HD 126?

Yes — HD 126 borders Glacier National Park and has a resident grizzly bear population. Carry bear spray at all times and follow FWP and NPS bear-country protocols.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-18.

FWP Moose Regulations — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks · supports: Moose season structure, OIAL rules, HD 126 quota · accessed 2026-04-18
FWP Drawing Statistics — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks · supports: HD 126 applicant-to-quota history · accessed 2026-04-18