MT Elk Unit 417

# MT 417 Tactical Analysis ## Terrain & Access Unit 417 spans 551k acres across southwestern Montana with ~42% public land and moderate elevation (2,260–4,395 ft). The relatively balanced public/private split offers reasonable access but requires route planning. Mid-elevation terrain typical of this region supports mixed conifer and sagebrush habitat. ## Herd Quality & Population Trophy record data is limited — Fergus County (100% overlap) has produced 17 record-book entries over three decades, averaging 380.1 with a high of 408.8 in 1994. Recent decades show softening (363–376 range 2019–2024 vs. 379–384 in 2000s–2010s), suggesting tighter management or reduced older age-class...