Autumn Glory: Hunting Adventures in Anaconda, Montana

When the crisp mountain air rolls in and the golden tamaracks light up the hillsides, hunters know: it’s time. Anaconda, Montana, nestled between the Pintler and Sapphire ranges, transforms each fall into a haven for big game enthusiasts chasing elk bugles, mule deer tracks, and whitetail shadows.

🎯 Prime Territory, Wild Rewards

Anaconda sits at the heart of Montana’s Hunt District 211, which includes vast stretches of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. With elevations ranging from 5,500 to over 10,000 feet, this terrain offers challenging climbs, deep gulches, and wide basins—ideal for spotting mature bulls and bucks.

Public access is generous, with 88% of the district open to hunters, and block management areas nearby provide even more opportunity. Garrity Mountain and Mount Haggin Wildlife Management Areas are local favorites, especially during elk migration.

🦌 What’s in Season?

• Elk and deer rifle season runs from late October through Thanksgiving weekend.

• Archery season kicks off in early September.

• Black bear, mountain lion, and wolf permits are available, with spring and fall seasons for bear.

• Grouse and partridge hunting starts September 1 and continues into January.

  
  

📈 2025 Harvest Highlights

This season, hunter check stations near Anaconda reported:

• 9 elk and 5 deer on opening weekend alone

• A steady increase in mule deer harvests as the rut began

• Over 5,600 hunter stops across west-central Montana in the first three weekends

  
  

Despite mixed weather—wind, rain, and early snow—hunters brought in quality animals and shared stories of first harvests and family traditions.

🗺️ Local Tips from the Trail

• Storm Lake Rd. and Twin Lakes Rd. offer access to productive southern drainages.

• Mill Creek Rd. leads to prime elk corridors and connects to the Big Hole Valley.

• Cable Rd. and East Fork Reservoir trails are known for deer and moose sightings.

• Skalkaho Rd. and Rock Creek Rd. provide access to block management ranches and forest service land.

  
  

🧭 Gear Up and Give Back

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks encourages hunters to stop at check stations and submit samples for chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing. It’s free, and it helps protect the future of Montana’s wildlife.

Whether you're a seasoned hunter or chasing your first buck, Anaconda offers a wild, unforgettable experience. The terrain will test you, the wildlife will thrill you, and the community will welcome you. So pack your gear, scout your route, and come find your story in the mountains of Montana.