Montana Elk Mule Deer

Unit 202 (Upper Stillwater / Beartooth Plateau)

Montana Hunting Guide — Elk, Mule Deer

HD 202 spans the headwaters of the Stillwater River and the rugged shoulders of the Beartooth Plateau in Carbon County, south-central Montana. Elevations push from 5,500 feet in the lower canyon to over 11,000 feet on the plateau rim. The Custer Gallatin National Forest covers roughly 85% of the district, providing exceptional public-land access. Elk numbers are strong — bull-to-cow ratios benefit from light hunting pressure at altitude and the rugged terrain that turns back average hunters. Rifle success hovers around 18–22%, with archery closer to 10% for hunters willing to pack into the backcountry.

View Draw Odds Montana Hunting Guide

Elk Hunting in Unit 202

Where to Find Elk in HD 202

Elk in HD 202 follow predictable seasonal patterns tied to snowpack and hunting pressure along the Stillwater drainage.

Archery Season (September)

In early September, bulls are dispersed across the upper Stillwater basin between 7,500 and 10,500 feet. The open tundra and krummholz fringe of the Beartooth Plateau concentrate bulls that spend summer above timberline. The Lady of the Lake basin, the headwaters above Sioux Charley Lake, and the cirque basins draining west into the Stillwater are prime archery areas. Expect aggressive bugles from satellite bulls during the peak rut window (Sept 18–28).

Rifle Season (October–November)

Once general rifle season opens, elk migrate downslope from the plateau. The heavily timbered benches between 6,000 and 8,000 feet along the east fork of the Stillwater and the upper Woodbine Creek drainage hold elk through mid-October. Focus on north-facing lodgepole and spruce drainages where elk bed during the day, feeding on open parks and south-facing slopes at dawn and dusk.

Late-Season Push

Major snowfall on the Beartooth Plateau pushes elk rapidly down the Stillwater canyon toward the lower HD 202 boundary near Absarokee. Late-season hunters who watch snow reports and position below the 6,000-foot contour can intercept migrating elk.

How to Hunt Elk in HD 202

HD 202 rewards self-sufficient hunters who can cover steep, roadless country on the Beartooth Plateau's western flanks.

Pack-In Archery Camps

The most productive archery approach is a multi-day pack-in above 8,000 feet via the Woodbine or Sioux Charley Lake trailheads. Bulls on the Beartooth rim have minimal pressure and respond well to aggressive calling. Locate bulls at dawn with location bugles from ridge saddles, then set up in the timber fringe below the plateau edge where bulls funnel during thermal shifts.

Rifle Hunting the Timber Benches

During rifle season, glass the open south-facing slopes from ridgeline vantage points to locate elk before climbing into the timber. Set up ambush positions along well-used trail crossings between north-slope bedding cover and open feeding parks. The creek-bottom willows and aspen patches in the 6,500-foot elevation band are reliable midday holding areas after pressure pushes elk off the higher slopes.

Road-Access Hunting Near Woodbine

Hunters with limited mobility can work the lower drainage roads off US-212 near Fishtail and Nye. Block Management Areas in this section of the district provide access to otherwise private-land benches where elk concentrate during the migration period. Check the current Block Management directory for enrolled properties.

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Elk Success Rates

HD 202 rifle success averages 18–22%, ranking it above the statewide elk average for similar mountain districts. Archery success is around 10%, reflecting the demanding backcountry terrain. Hunters packing into the Beartooth headwaters consistently outperform road-accessible areas. Bull quality is above average — the plateau's high elevation and remote character produce mature 6x6 bulls with minimal pressure.

Elk Draw Odds

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

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General season elk tags in HD 202 are available over the counter for Montana residents. Non-resident tags are distributed through the Big Game Combination License draw using preference points. HD 202 is moderately competitive for non-residents — 2–3 preference points typically provide draw odds in the 60–80% range. Surplus tags occasionally appear on the leftover list after the main draw.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 202

Mule deer in HD 202 occupy the lower canyon benches, rimrock breaks, and sage-brush sidehills along the Stillwater River drainage in Carbon County. While elk command most hunter attention in this district, the mule deer population in the 5,500–7,500 foot elevation band is healthy and underutilized. Buck-to-doe ratios are solid and mature bucks are available for hunters who focus on the lower-elevation sage and aspen transition zones away from the high-country elk traffic.

Where to Find Mule Deer in HD 202

Mule deer in HD 202 concentrate in distinct habitat zones below the primary elk timber, making them accessible without the strenuous climbing required for the high-country elk hunt.

Rimrock Breaks and Canyon Walls (5,500–7,000 ft)

The most consistent mule deer habitat in HD 202 is the rocky rimrock and broken canyon terrain along the Stillwater River corridor and its side-canyon tributaries. Bucks bed in rocky ledge country during the day and feed on sagebrush benches and aspen patches at dawn and dusk. The canyon walls between Fishtail and Nye are classic Carbon County mule deer country.

Sagebrush-Aspen Transition

Lower-elevation benches with a mix of sagebrush flats, mountain mahogany, and aspen groves hold mature bucks throughout October. These areas produce the best glassing opportunities — a quality spotting scope from a canyon rim overlook can cover miles of productive habitat efficiently.

Rut Period (November)

During the rut, bucks break cover and roam widely. The lower Stillwater valley between the forest boundary and Absarokee sees increased deer movement as bucks search for does. Late-season hunters should glass the open grassland and sage benches below 6,000 feet.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in HD 202

Spot-and-stalk from canyon rim vantage points is the most effective approach for HD 202 mule deer.

Glass-and-Stalk from Canyon Rims

Drive the Stillwater Road before dawn and identify high points overlooking the canyon walls and bench flats. Set up with a spotting scope and systematically glass all bedding cover — rocky ledges, aspen groves, and mahogany thickets. Locate a buck before committing to a stalk. Most HD 202 mule deer stalks involve 200–600 yards of approach through broken terrain.

Block Management Access

Several Block Management properties along the lower Stillwater provide access to private-land benches that receive minimal hunting pressure. These enrolled properties often hold the largest bucks in the district. Obtain the current Block Management map from FWP and contact landowners early in the season.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule deer rifle success in HD 202 averages around 28–32%, which is competitive for Carbon County mountain districts. Archery success is lower at roughly 12%, primarily because most archery hunters focus on the elk season. The unit is underutilized for mule deer — most pressure is directed at elk, leaving deer hunters with relatively unharassed bucks.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

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

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General season mule deer tags in HD 202 are available over the counter for Montana residents. Non-residents draw through the Big Game Combination License system. HD 202 mule deer are moderately competitive — preference points improve non-resident odds in most years. Check FWP Drawing Statistics for current applicant and quota numbers.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Elevation

5,500–11,200 ft

Public land

85%

Elevation Profile

Min 5,500 ft Max 11,200 ft

Planning Notes

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Camp Sites

Woodbine Campground (USFS, 45 sites, near Fishtail) is the primary developed camp. Dispersed camping available on Custer Gallatin NF roads throughout the upper drainage. Backcountry camping unrestricted on forest land above the campground.

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Water

Excellent. The Stillwater River, East Fork Stillwater, and numerous high-country streams and lakes provide reliable water throughout the season. Always filter or treat.

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Road Conditions

Main Stillwater Road (County Road 420) is paved to Nye, then gravel to Woodbine. Forest spur roads are high-clearance gravel — 4WD recommended. First major snowfall typically closes higher roads in October.

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Terrain Difficulty

Strenuous to extreme on the plateau. Day hunts from trailheads involve 2,500–4,000 foot elevation gains. Lower drainage hunting is moderate. Horse access is common and appropriate for the backcountry.

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Hunting Pressure

Low to moderate. The remote plateau receives minimal pressure, while the Woodbine trailhead area sees more hunters during rifle opener. Overall pressure is light relative to the unit's elk density.

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Weather

Early September can be warm at elevation. By mid-October, expect freezing temperatures nightly and potential for significant snowfall at altitude. The Beartooth is notorious for severe weather — always carry emergency shelter and extra layers.

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Nearest Town

Fishtail (20 min) for basic supplies. Columbus or Red Lodge (45 min) for full services, fuel, groceries, and meat processing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is HD 202 a general or limited elk district in Montana?

HD 202 offers over-the-counter general season elk licenses for residents. Non-residents must apply through the Big Game Combination License draw. Both archery and rifle seasons are available.

What trailheads access the Beartooth country in HD 202?

Woodbine Trailhead (near Fishtail) and Sioux Charley Lake Trailhead off the upper Stillwater Road are the primary access points for the high-country portion of HD 202.

What is elk hunting pressure like in HD 202?

Pressure is light to moderate. The steep, roadless Beartooth country sees few hunters, while the lower Stillwater drainage near Woodbine is more accessible and gets moderate pressure during rifle opener.

Are mule deer in HD 202 general season in Montana?

Yes. General season mule deer tags are available over the counter for Montana residents. Non-residents apply through the Big Game Combination License draw.

What is the best approach for mule deer hunting in HD 202?

Glass from canyon rim vantage points overlooking the sagebrush-aspen transition zones at 5,500–7,000 feet. Locate bucks at first light, then execute a spot-and-stalk approach using the broken rimrock terrain for cover.

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Sources & Verification

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

2026 Deer, Elk, and Antelope Regulations — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks · supports: HD 202 boundary, Season dates, License types · accessed 2026-04-18
FWP Hunt Planner — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks · supports: Public-land layers, HD boundary geometry, Block Management Areas · accessed 2026-04-18
FWP Harvest Reports — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks · supports: Per-HD harvest totals, Hunter success rates · accessed 2026-04-18
FWP Drawing Statistics — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks · supports: Draw odds by license code, Applicant counts · accessed 2026-04-18

Unit 202 (Upper Stillwater / Beartooth Plateau)

Elk Hunting in Unit 202

Where to Find Elk in HD 202

Archery Season (September)

Rifle Season (October–November)

Late-Season Push

How to Hunt Elk in HD 202

Elk Success Rates

Elk Draw Odds

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 202

Where to Find Mule Deer in HD 202

Rimrock Breaks and Canyon Walls (5,500–7,000 ft)

Sagebrush-Aspen Transition

Rut Period (November)

How to Hunt Mule Deer in HD 202

Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Explore Related Units

Unit 202 — Mule Deer

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources & Verification