Smith River Wildlife Management Area: hunting and access
Smith River Wildlife Management Area is 3,382 acres of land managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks in Region 4, inside Hunting Districts 416 and 446. FWP lists antelope, black bear, elk, mountain lion, mule deer and white-tailed deer among the animals that may be hunted here. FWP's rule for the area: Opens at noon on May 15.
Data updated October 2026. Area facts: FWP's page for Smith River WMA, read 2026-10-17. Boundary: FWP GIS.
State trust landFWP landSmith River WMAHunting district lineLake or riverHighway
| Size | 3,382 acres (FWP) |
|---|---|
| FWP region | Region 4, North-central Montana |
| Hunting districts | HD 416, HD 446 |
| Rules | Opens at noon on May 15. |
| Camping | Allowed (FWP) |
| Hunter access | See travel plan map. There is only one road throughout the area - it is open year round to accommodate fishing access. |
| Elevation | 5071 ft |
| Nearest towns | White Sulphur Springs (16 mi), Neihart (24 mi) and York (26 mi) |
What is Smith River WMA for?
FWP bought Smith River WMA with hunters' and anglers' dollars to give access to the Smith River and to protect winter range for elk, mule deer and pronghorn. Its one road, to the Fort Logan Fishing Access Site, is open all year.
From FWP's Smith River WMA page.
What are the rules on Smith River WMA?
Opens at noon on May 15. Hiking, hunting, camping and other non-motorized use are allowed off the road while the WMA is open, May 15 to December 1. FWP's 2026 regulations list it as closed December 2 to May 15.
Hunter access, as FWP puts it: See travel plan map. There is only one road throughout the area - it is open year round to accommodate fishing access.
FWP prints a map of the area with its roads and rules: Smith River WMA map (PDF). Hunting follows the regulations of the district the ground is in.
What can you hunt on Smith River WMA?
FWP lists these big game animals for Smith River WMA: antelope, black bear, elk, mountain lion, mule deer and white-tailed deer.
Which hunting districts is Smith River WMA in?
Smith River WMA lies in 2 deer and elk districts. Each district's FWP harvest estimate, for the whole district, not the WMA alone:
| District | WMA acres in it | Elk harvested (district) | Deer harvested (district) |
|---|---|---|---|
| HD 416 Southwest Little Belt Mountains | 2,184 | 563 (2025) | 501 (2025) |
| HD 446 Northeast Big Belt Mountains | 1,198 | 294 (2025) | 295 (2025) |
Harvest: FWP Harvest Estimates (elk and deer, 2020 to 2025). WMA acres in each district measured by FilledTag from FWP's boundaries.
How do you get to Smith River WMA?
Take route 360 northwest from White Sulphur Springs about 15 miles to Camp Baker/Smith River Road, the road turns to the north. Go north about 3 miles to the eastern entrance to the WMA.
Nearest towns: White Sulphur Springs (16 miles), Neihart (24 miles), York (26 miles) and Winston (27 miles).
Questions hunters ask
When is Smith River WMA open?
Opens at noon on May 15, by FWP's rule for the area. Hunting seasons are set by the district's regulations.
What can you hunt on Smith River WMA?
FWP lists antelope, black bear, elk, mountain lion, mule deer and white-tailed deer for hunting or trapping on Smith River WMA. Each species follows the regulations of the hunting district the ground is in (HD 416 and 446).
Can you camp on Smith River WMA?
FWP lists camping as allowed on Smith River WMA, with pack in/pack out and primitive campsite. Follow the area's posted rules.
Which hunting district is Smith River WMA in?
HD 416 (2,184 acres) and HD 446 (1,198 acres), by FWP's boundaries.
Request your free Montana hunt plan
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Use the map while you wait for your plan.
Where these facts come from
- Area description, rules, species, facilities and directions: FWP, Smith River WMA.
- Boundary and acres: FWP wildlife management area boundaries. Surrounding public land: Montana Cadastral Public Lands, Montana State Library, published 2026.
- District harvest: FWP Harvest Estimates (elk and deer, 2020 to 2025).
FilledTag is not part of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.