Montana Unit 700 Elk Hunting Guide

Montana Unit 700 represents one of the state's largest general hunting units, encompassing 1.8 million acres of diverse elk habitat across eastern Montana. This expansive unit offers hunters access to rolling prairie, timbered breaks, and river bottom country where elk populations have shown consistent production. With 52% public land access and harvest success rates ranging from 32% to 38% in recent years, Unit 700 provides substantial hunting opportunities for both residents and nonresidents seeking elk in Big Sky Country.

The unit's terrain varies from 2,221 feet in the river valleys to 3,385 feet on the higher ridges, creating diverse habitat zones that support elk throughout the year. Recent harvest data shows strong hunter participation, with over 1,750 hunters taking the field in 2024 and achieving a 38% success rate. The absence of designated wilderness areas means nonresident hunters can pursue elk throughout the unit without guide requirements, making it accessible for do-it-yourself hunting operations.

HuntPilot Analysis

Unit 700 deserves serious consideration from elk hunters seeking consistent opportunities in Montana's general hunting system. The 2024 harvest data from HuntPilot shows 1,757 hunters achieved a 38% success rate, representing a notable improvement from the 32% success rate recorded in 2022. This upward trend in harvest success, combined with increasing tag quotas for 2026, suggests the unit's elk populations are supporting healthy hunter opportunity.

The unit's massive size of 1.8 million acres provides hunters with extensive territory to explore, while the 52% public land percentage ensures adequate access for independent hunters. Counties overlapping this unit have a moderate history of trophy records, indicating hunters have legitimate opportunities to encounter quality bulls alongside the general hunting experience. The terrain's elevation range from 2,221 to 3,385 feet creates diverse habitat zones from river bottoms to upland ridges, allowing hunters to adjust tactics based on elk movement patterns and weather conditions.

For Montana residents, Unit 700 offers exceptional value through the state's general elk licensing system. Residents can purchase general elk licenses over-the-counter and hunt the unit annually without entering a draw system. Nonresidents must apply for limited licenses but face more favorable conditions than many western elk units, particularly given the substantial tag allocations and absence of wilderness restrictions requiring guides.

The unit's tag quota trends show positive momentum. B-Tag allocations increased from 700 tags in 2025 to 800 tags for 2026, representing a 14% increase that reflects confidence in the elk population's ability to support additional harvest. Permit allocations for other hunt types remain stable at current levels, suggesting sustainable management approaches that balance opportunity with herd health.

Harvest Success Rates

Recent harvest data reveals encouraging trends in Unit 700's elk hunting productivity. The 2024 harvest performance showed 1,757 hunters achieving 661 elk harvested for a 38% success rate. This represents a substantial improvement over the 2022 performance when 1,560 hunters harvested 499 elk for a 32% success rate.

The improvement in harvest success from 32% to 38% over the two-year period suggests several positive factors at work. Increased hunter experience in the unit, improved elk population distribution, or favorable weather conditions during the hunting periods could contribute to the enhanced success rates. The six-percentage-point improvement translates to meaningful increases in hunter satisfaction and demonstrates the unit's capacity to provide consistent elk encounters.

Hunter participation has also increased during this timeframe, with nearly 200 additional hunters taking the field in 2024 compared to 2022. Despite this increased hunting pressure, success rates improved rather than declined, indicating the elk population's resilience and the unit's ability to accommodate substantial hunter numbers without compromising opportunity quality.

These success rates compare favorably to many general hunting opportunities across Montana and the broader Rocky Mountain region. A 38% success rate represents solid production for a general unit, particularly one accommodating over 1,750 hunters annually. Hunters should note that success rates reflect all elk harvested, including cows and bulls across various hunt types within the unit.

Trophy Quality

Counties overlapping Unit 700 have a moderate history of trophy records, providing hunters with legitimate opportunities to encounter quality bulls during their hunting experience. While the unit operates primarily as a general hunting opportunity rather than a limited-entry trophy destination, consistent trophy production has occurred across multiple decades within the area.

Trophy potential in Unit 700 appears most favorable in the unit's more remote sections where hunting pressure remains lighter and mature bulls can establish secure habitat. The diverse terrain from river bottom timber to higher elevation ridges creates varied habitat zones where different age classes of elk can thrive. Mature bulls often utilize the more rugged breaks country during daylight hours while moving to feeding areas during low-light periods.

Hunters pursuing trophy-class animals should focus their efforts on areas requiring longer approaches from major access points. The unit's substantial size provides opportunities to locate bulls that have not encountered significant hunting pressure, particularly in sections where terrain or access challenges limit casual hunter traffic. Success on mature bulls typically requires hunters willing to invest additional effort in scouting and accessing less convenient terrain.

The moderate trophy history suggests hunters should approach Unit 700 with realistic expectations. While trophy-class bulls are present and harvested regularly, the unit's primary value lies in providing consistent elk hunting opportunities rather than exceptional trophy production. Hunters specifically targeting trophy animals may find better odds in Montana's limited-entry units, but Unit 700 offers the advantage of annual hunting opportunities without the uncertainty of draw systems.

How to Apply

For 2026, Montana elk applications open March 1 with a deadline of April 1. Nonresidents face multiple fee components including a $5 application fee, tag fees ranging from $270 to $1,112 depending on the specific hunt type, and a required $65 hunting license that must be purchased before applying. Additionally, nonresidents pay a $multi-year points fee whether they draw or not.

Montana residents benefit from significantly reduced costs with the same $5 application fee, $20 tag fee regardless of hunt type, and a required $8 hunting license. Resident bonus point fees are $2, making the Montana system affordable for in-state hunters to participate annually.

The application process requires hunters to specify their preferred hunt types from the available options. Unit 700 offers multiple hunt types including B-Tag opportunities and various permit categories. Tag quotas for 2026 show B-Tag allocations increased to 800 tags, while Permit 20 and Permit 21 maintain stable allocations at 250 and 800 tags respectively.

Montana operates on a bonus point system where accumulated points improve draw odds but do not guarantee tags. First-time applicants enter the draw with the same base odds as other hunters at their point level. Points are awarded automatically to unsuccessful applicants, and hunters can purchase points without applying by paying the point fee during the application period.

Hunters must maintain a qualifying Montana hunting license throughout the application and hunting period. The license requirement applies at the time of application, so hunters should purchase their license before submitting draw applications. Nonresidents should budget for the total cost including license, application fee, tag fee, and point fee when planning their Montana elk hunting investment.

Dates and fees are subject to change. Always verify current application details at the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks website before applying.

Access & Terrain

Unit 700's 52% public land composition provides hunters with substantial access opportunities across the unit's 1.8 million acres. This public land percentage ensures hunters can locate accessible terrain without relying entirely on private land permissions or outfitter services. The unit contains no designated wilderness areas, eliminating guide requirements that affect some Montana hunting units.

The terrain ranges from 2,221 feet in elevation along river valleys to 3,385 feet on the higher ridges and breaks. This elevation variation creates diverse habitat zones from cottonwood bottom country along major drainages to mixed grass prairie and timbered coulees across the uplands. Elk utilize these various terrain features seasonally and daily, providing hunters with multiple tactical approaches based on conditions and elk behavior.

River bottom areas typically provide thermal cover and water sources that attract elk during warmer periods, while the higher elevation ridges and timbered breaks offer security cover where elk retreat when pressured. The rolling prairie country between these features serves as feeding areas and travel corridors connecting the different habitat components.

Access challenges in Unit 700 stem primarily from the unit's massive size rather than terrain difficulty or public land limitations. Hunters should plan for significant travel distances between potential hunting areas and consider fuel, navigation, and communication requirements when venturing into remote sections. The scale of the unit means hunters can invest considerable time simply reaching productive areas, particularly those distant from major road systems.

Vehicle access varies across the unit from maintained county roads to primitive two-track trails. Hunters should prepare for varied road conditions and consider high-clearance vehicles for reaching some areas. Weather conditions can dramatically affect road accessibility, particularly during wet periods when clay-based soils become impassable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Montana Unit 700 worth applying for as a nonresident? Yes, Unit 700 offers solid value for nonresident elk hunters. The recent 38% harvest success rate, increasing tag quotas for 2026, and 52% public land access create favorable hunting conditions. The absence of wilderness restrictions means nonresidents can hunt independently without guide requirements, keeping costs manageable compared to other western elk opportunities.

What type of terrain should hunters expect in Unit 700? Unit 700 features diverse terrain ranging from 2,221 to 3,385 feet in elevation, including river bottom timber, rolling prairie, and timbered breaks. This variation creates multiple habitat zones where elk can be found throughout the hunting period. Hunters should prepare for significant distances between areas and varied road conditions from maintained county roads to primitive trails.

How has harvest success changed in Unit 700 recently? Harvest success in Unit 700 improved from 32% in 2022 to 38% in 2024, representing a six-percentage-point increase despite growing hunter participation. This upward trend suggests positive elk population dynamics and demonstrates the unit's capacity to support substantial hunter numbers while maintaining productive hunting opportunities.

What is the trophy potential in Unit 700? Unit 700 has moderate trophy potential with counties in the area showing a consistent history of trophy records across multiple decades. While primarily a general hunting opportunity rather than a trophy destination, hunters willing to access remote areas and invest additional effort can encounter quality bulls. Trophy success typically requires hunting in less accessible terrain away from high-pressure areas.

How much does it cost to apply for Unit 700 elk tags? For 2026, nonresidents pay $5 application fee, $270-$1,112 tag fee depending on hunt type, $65 required license, and $multi-year points fee. Montana residents pay $5 application fee, $20 tag fee, $8 required license, and $multi-year points fee. All hunters must purchase the required license before applying, and unsuccessful applicants automatically receive bonus points.