Unit 324

The Blacktail Mountains anchor the southern portion, with Mooney Mountain and Benson Peak serving as visual references for navigation across the open country. Foolhen Ridge and the Wise River-Big Hole Divide define the northwestern boundary—key landmarks for ridge runners and those glassing from high ground. The Beaverhead Canyon Gateway marks a notable passage along Route 278. Key drainages include Gallagher Creek, Moose Creek, and East Creek; these canyons funnel game and offer water-finding strategies.

Horseshoe Lake and South Side Reservoir provide navigational waypoints in the sagebrush.

The unit spans mid to upper-elevation terrain, with sagebrush valleys and grassland basins at lower elevations transitioning to scattered conifer stands on slopes and ridges. Sparse timber characterizes much of the forested area—ponderosa and Douglas fir on south-facing slopes, more dense stands in protected drainages. The sagebrush provides open glassing country and pronghorn habitat in the flats; higher benches support elk meadows and migration corridors.

Terrain diversity creates distinct hunting zones: open parks and ridges in early season, timbered drainages for late-season concentration.

The unit boasts extensive road connectivity—642 miles of roads crisscross the country, linking to Route 43, Route 278, and Interstate 15. This access suits horseless hunters and enables reasonably quick entry from Dillon, Red Rock, and other small communities on the periphery. Despite good road access, the vast size and sparse human population keep pressure manageable compared to units closer to major population centers. Bryant Creek Access Road opens the northwest; side roads penetrate major canyons.

Early season typically draws more pressure near established trailheads; late season concentrates hunters near reliable water and winter range.

Unit 324 occupies the plateau country of southwestern Montana between Interstate 15 near Dillon and the Big Hole-Grasshopper Divide to the west. The Wise River-Big Hole Divide forms the northern boundary near Foolhen Mountain; Bryant Creek Access Road and Route 43 define the eastern edge. This vast, high-elevation basin is framed by the Blacktail Mountains to the south and encompasses multiple drainages flowing toward the Big Hole River system.

The country sits at the intersection of three counties—Beaverhead, Silver Bow, and Madison—with Interstate 15 and Route 278 providing southern access corridors.

Water sources are scattered but reliable where they exist. Multiple named springs—Blacktail Spring, Virginia Springs, Eagle Spring, Ashbough Spring, and others—support the high basins. Gallagher Creek, Moose Creek, and Pistol Creek flow through major drainages; East Creek and Long Creek offer additional water access in the eastern portions.

The Big Hole River lies just beyond the western boundary. Seasonal creeks and wet-weather draws supplement spring flows during wet years, but late-season hunting demands knowledge of permanent water locations. The limited overall abundance means water sources concentrate game during dry periods.

Unit 324 supports elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, and mountain lions across its varied elevations. Early season favors high sagebrush parks and ridges where elk migrate to cool country; glassing from elevated terrain produces. Mid-season transitions focus on timbered benches and canyon drainages as pressure increases.

Late season concentrates game in protected valleys with water and shelter—Gallagher Creek, Moose Creek drainages, and lower-elevation sagebrush become prime zones. Mule deer utilize brush-covered slopes and draws; white-tails favor riparian areas and canyon bottoms. Mountain lions follow game trails through sparse timber.

Success requires adaptability to shifting elevations and willingness to cover country methodically.