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Beartooth Wildlife Management Area

Beartooth
The Beartooth Wildlife Management Area was purchased in 1970 to maintain productive and diverse plant communities that provide forage and cover for numerous fish and wildlife species. Primary objectives of the WMA include providing critical winter range for elk, mule deer and bighorn sheep; as well as a wide range of public recreational activities including hunting, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The WMA lies at the northeast end of the Big Belt Mountains immediately north of the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness Area. It lies along the banks of the Missouri River and on the southeast side of Holter Lake. The WMA contains diverse intermountain foothill grasslands intermixed with streams, forest, meadows, and rocky cliffs. Wildlife habitat is maintained with a conservative grazing management plan and extensive weed control. Infrastructure is maintenanced by seasonal FWP staff and volunteers. The WMA encompasses 35,776 acres.

 Description

  1. Open noon May 15 - December 1. See Travel Plan Map. Travel Plan specifies access roads, specific parking/camping locations and other information. Bear presence known (grizzly and black) - stay alert and adhere to food storage requirements.

 Location

Region 4
Latitude/Longitude: 46.94522 -111.84362
Size: 35,173.6 acres
Elevation: 4,931 ft
Open: May 15 to Dec 1
Directions:
In Lewis and Clark and Cascade counties about 40 miles north of Helena and 60 miles south of Great Falls. Exit I-15 at Wolf Creek and take the Missouri River Road east to Wolf Creek Bridge; turn south on Beartooth Road, which runs along the east side of the Missouri River and Holter Lake, and follow signs to the WMA.

 Location Map

 Facilities & Fees

Title Description Fee
Conservation License - MT Resident $8.00
Conservation License - MT Resident Senior 62+ $4.00
Conservation License - MT Resident Youth 12-17 $4.00
Conservation License - Nonresident $10.00
Facilities
Pack in/Pack out
Primitive Campsite
Toilet (Vault)

 Activities

Hiking
Horseback Riding
Hunting
Photography
Trapping
Wildlife Viewing

 Hunting / Trapping Opportunities

Antelope
Bighorn Sheep
Elk
Mountain Lion
Mule Deer
Ruffed Grouse
White-tailed Deer
Wolf

 Meet the Manager

  1. Alex Kunkel (akunkel@mt.gov)
  2. Mailing Address:
  3. 4600 Giant Springs Rd
  4. GREAT FALLS
  5. 59405
  6. Phone:(406)454-5864

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