Sun River Game Range
| Sun River Game Range | |
|---|---|
| Sun River Wildife Management Area | |
.jpg) A picture of the Sun River WMA | |
Interactive map of Sun River Game Range | |
| Nearest city | Augusta, Montana |
| Area | 19,744.6 acres (79.904 km2) |
| Average elevation | 4,962 |
| Established | 1948 |
| Named for | Sun River |
| Governing body | Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks |
The Sun River Game Range, also known as the Sun River Wildlife Management Area, is a wildlife management area in Lewis and Clark County, Montana. The area is known for its hunting, horseback riding and shed hunting opportunities as well as elk conservation.[1]
History
Before the purchase of the game range the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks had no land to provide the Sun River elk herd for winter usage. Additionally, they did not reach sufficient funds to acquire land. However, concerned farmers Tom Meselt and Carl Malone made the down payment on land in Lewis and Clark County until it could be purchased by the state. Soon, the agency gained enough funds to buy the land and established the game range in 1948. Additional land was purchased every year until 1974. Currently, the area is managed by the state as well as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.[2][3][4]
Species
The WMA contains elk, deer, black bears, grizzly bears and other small animals.The game ranged also contains riparian zones, timber, foothill grassland areas and grass range areas.
The Sun River Game Range is essential for the Sun River elk herd who rely on the area for winter habitat and food. According the state, 95 percent of the herd stay in the WMA during the winter.[2]
Location
To get to the WMA, take the Gibson Reservoir/Sun Canyon Road 3.5 miles, then take the left once arriving to the fork in the road.[5]
Geography
The game range is located on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountain Front. The WMA contains a variety of different landscape features, including grass ranges, exposed timber, riparian zones, browse meadows, and rocky and barren ground. The area is located near the Sawtooth Ridge and Willow Creek Reservoir.[2]
References
- ↑ Santoscoy, Michael (2026-05-15). "Sun River gates draw crowds near Augusta as antler season begins". NonStop Local Montana. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
- 1 2 3 "Sun River Wildlife Management Area" (url). FWP: Wildlife Management Area. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
- ↑ "Sun River WMA". Montana History Portal. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
- ↑ Holyoak, Mark (2025-11-13). "Montana Seeks Info on Three Elk Poached Near Augusta". Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
- ↑ agencydev (2014-07-14). "Local Knowledge: Call of the Wild". Big Sky Journal. Retrieved 2026-05-16.