HD 360 covers the Pioneer Mountains between Wise River and Dillon—a sprawling range divided into the East and West Pioneers with dramatically different character. The East Pioneers are rugged and alpine, with jagged peaks reaching 11,154 feet and rocky cirques holding mountain goats. The West Pioneers are gentler—broad, timbered ridges with grassy parks and meadow bottoms topping out around 9,500 feet. Elevations on the valley floor sit around 5,500 feet. The forests are classic southwestern Montana: Douglas fir and lodgepole on the slopes, with sagebrush and grass in the valleys. The Pioneers hold strong elk populations in both divisions, and mule deer thrive in the sage-timber transition zone. Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest covers the mountain terrain, with BLM and private ranches in the valleys. The Wise River-Polaris Road and Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway (FR 73) provide access through the range, and forest roads branch into numerous drainages. Wise River is a tiny community with a general store and bar; Dillon has full services including Montana Western university and a hospital. Cell service works in the valleys and is unreliable in the mountains. The West Pioneers are particularly user-friendly for elk hunting—the gentler terrain and good road network make this accessible country that still produces quality animals. The East Pioneers require more physical commitment but offer more solitude. The Pioneers don't get the publicity of the Bitterroots or the Bob Marshall, which keeps pressure at reasonable levels. Late-season hunts benefit from elk dropping out of the high country into the valleys—watch the sage flats near Wise River in November. HD 360 (Pioneer Mountains / Wise River-Dillon) is divided into the East and West Pioneers with dramatically different character — the East Pioneers are rugged and alpine with mountain goats, while the West Pioneers are gentler with broad timbered ridges and grassy parks. General elk tags are available OTC for residents. Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest covers the mountain terrain. No designated wilderness exists. The West Pioneers are particularly user-friendly for elk hunting — the gentler terrain and good road network make this accessible country that still produces quality animals. Bull-to-cow ratios are moderate to good because the Pioneers do not get the publicity of the Bitterroots or Bob Marshall, keeping pressure at reasonable levels. Block Management on valley ranches provides additional access. B-licenses are typically available. Late-season hunts benefit from elk dropping out of the high country into the sage flats near Wise River. Dillon has full services. The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway (FR 73) provides a good access spine through the range. The East Pioneers require more physical commitment but offer more solitude and older bulls.