Unit 370-02 (Elkhorns / Helena Elk 370-02)

Montana Hunting Guide — Elk

HD 370-02 is a limited-permit elk hunt in west-central Montana near the Elkhorn and Helena Ranger Districts. Permits are issued through Montana FWP's special drawing under the state's preference point system. We recommend reviewing FWP Plan-a-Hunt for current boundary and access detail before applying.

View Draw Odds Montana Hunting Guide

Elk Hunting in Unit 370-02

Where to Find Elk in HD 370-02

Elk in HD 370-02 use timbered ridges, creek drainages, and high parks of the Elkhorn Mountains and adjacent Helena country. We scout north-aspect Douglas fir and lodgepole between 5,500 and 8,500 feet, focusing on wallows, saddles, and burn-edge transitions during the rut.

The district mixes USFS, state, and private ground. Use FWP Plan-a-Hunt to confirm ownership, BMA coverage, and parking before the hunt.

How to Hunt Elk in HD 370-02

We treat HD 370-02 as a glassing-and-rut-calling hunt. Post on opposing ridges at first and last light, then work in along thermal-friendly corridors. Cow calls and light bugles produce in upper timber pockets during the late-September rut.

Review FWP regulations for legal-elk criteria and any sub-district rules that apply specifically to 370-02. Plan access and pack-out logistics before the opener.

Pro Members Only

Unlock elk tactics for HD 370-02

Upgrade to Pro — $49/yr

Elk Success Rates

Rifle23%

Elkhorn-country permit-area elk hunts typically run above the Montana general-season average thanks to permit caps and strong bull cohorts. Pull current HD 370-02 numbers from the FWP harvest report portal before the hunt.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— B License	91	107	85.0%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

HD 370-02 tags are allocated through FWP's special drawing under Montana's preference point system. Three-year applicant counts near 94 against roughly 94 permits imply favorable per-draw odds in most years. Preference points improve long-run odds without guaranteeing a tag.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

🥾

Terrain Difficulty

Moderate. Elkhorn ridges involve 1,500–2,500 foot climbs with mixed timber and open parks.

👥

Hunting Pressure

Moderate. Permit caps limit elk-specific hunters, and Helena's proximity draws general-season deer hunters through the area.

🌦️

Weather

October brings variable weather; late season can see heavy snow and winter-ready gear requirements.

📋

Permit Notes

HD 370-02 is a special-draw permit hunt. Apply by the FWP spring deadline and confirm current legal-elk criteria.

Note: Stage in Helena or Townsend. Coordinate BMA sign-in through FWP's portal ahead of the opener.

Pro Members Only

Unlock full logistics for HD 370-02

Upgrade to Pro — $49/yr

Frequently Asked Questions

How favorable are HD 370-02 draw odds?

With roughly 94 three-year applicants and about 94 tags, per-draw odds are often favorable — frequently above 50%. Confirm the current year's picture on FWP drawing statistics.

Is HD 370-02 close to Helena?

Yes. The district covers country near the Elkhorn Mountains and adjacent Helena ranger district, which makes staging and access relatively straightforward compared to more remote Montana hunts.

Plan Your Hunt with ProHunt Pro+AI

Unlock advanced tactics, the Tag-to-Trail Planner, AI hunt strategy assistant, and personalized camp and trip execution plans.

Upgrade to Pro+AI — $79/yr

Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-17.

FWP Plan-a-Hunt — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks · supports: HD 370-02 boundary geometry, USFS and BMA overlays · accessed 2026-04-17
FWP Hunt Regulations — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks · supports: Elk season structure, Permit-area legal-elk criteria · accessed 2026-04-17
FWP Drawing Statistics — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks · supports: Applicant and quota history, Preference point draw influence · accessed 2026-04-17