HD 621 covers the Long Pines—an isolated, dramatic ponderosa-pine ridge complex rising out of the SE Montana prairie in Carter County, north and east of Ekalaka. Elevations run from about 3,000 feet on the surrounding prairie to 4,500 feet on the higher Long Pines ridges. The Long Pines are a series of long, parallel sandstone-and-ponderosa ridges that look like green parallel waves rising out of the brown prairie sea—a Black Hills feel in country most people associate with pure prairie. The ridges hold real ponderosa pine forest with juniper-and-mountain mahogany draws, sandstone outcrops, big sage parks at the bases, and creek bottoms with cottonwood-and-willow. The Long Pines hold elk in country that has no business holding elk—isolated, self-sustaining herds that have lived in this pine-island country for generations. Mule deer use the pines and the surrounding breaks; whitetail in the creek bottoms; pronghorn on the prairie surrounding; turkeys in the pines. Custer Gallatin NF (Sioux Ranger District) covers the principal Long Pines public ground, with BLM tracts in the surrounding country and the bulk of the lower-elevation country private. Block Management is essential for the surrounding ranches. Limited road access—a network of county and forest dirt roads, all of which gumbo to slick clay when wet. Ekalaka is the supply outpost—the closest gas, basic groceries, the legendary Carter County Museum. Baker is north. Belle Fourche SD is southeast. Cell service is essentially gone. The Long Pines are unique in Montana hunting and worth the logistical effort for hunters willing to plan around weather.