Each year as summer turns to fall, elk gather under cottonwood trees and in open meadows near the Missouri River on the west side of the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. Harems, groups of cow elk, look on as bull elk lock antlers and battle one another. The rut, or mating season, usually peaks in mid to late September and the number of elk can reach over 200.

If you are interested in experiencing elk viewing on the Refuge here is what you should know before you go to Slippery Ann Elk Viewing Area:

When to Visit

The timing of their arrival can vary from year to year but typically elk make their way to Slippery Ann around the end of August. Their numbers usually peak during the middle of September and remain high until early October. Numbers begin to decline as the harems break up and the bulls begin to once again feed in preparation for the winter ahead.

Rutting elk are most active and visible in the early evening until the sun sets. Bulls can bugle throughout the night into the early morning hours. Plan to arrive at the viewing area in the late afternoon and be prepared to stay until dark. During the day, visitors may catch sight of elk resting in the shade of the cottonwood galleries.

What to Bring

Bring any food and water you will need during your visit, appropriate layers for the weather, and a comfortable chair. Please remain at the road’s edge; the area beyond the road in the Elk Viewing Area is closed to public entry. 

Bring binoculars, a spotting scope, or telephoto lens to get a closer look at the elk and any other wildlife.

Please note, vault toilets are located on the west and east boundaries of the Elk Viewing Area. No other facilities are available. 

Getting Here

Slippery Ann is located approximately 6 miles east of Highway 191 on the Auto Tour Route. The Auto Tour is a maintained all-weather gravel road. Visitors should check the weather forecast before arriving on the Refuge. Manning Corral Dogtown is the closest weather station to the Elk Viewing Area. The approximate coordinates for the Viewing Area are 47°37’00.7” N, 108°34’01.6” W. A map of the Refuge roads is available in our library. 

Once In the Elk Viewing Area, please park on the south side of the road. Depending on vehicle traffic and elk activity traffic control measures may be in place. Please follow all traffic control guidance issued by Refuge staff, volunteers, and law enforcement.

Where to Stay

Consider camping on the Refuge to listen to the elk bugle all night long. Flushing toilets, potable water, reservable camp sites, trash collection and cell phone service are NOT available. But you will find solitude and wonderful night sky viewing. 

There are several options for camping around the Elk Viewing Area. Slippery Ann, Jones Island, and Rock Creek Boat Launch offer camping areas with vault toilets. Visitors may disperse camp outside of the closed Elk Viewing Area. Dispersed camping must take place within 100 yards of an open numbered road. Pay attention to all closed area signs. Please see our regulations page for more information.

James Kipp Campground, operated by the Bureau of Land Management, is located on the south bank of the Missouri River on HWY 191. Call (406) 622-4000 for more information.

The Malta Area Chamber of Commerce (406) 654-1776, and the Lewistown Chamber of Commerce, (406) 535-5436, have more information regarding private camping, hotels, and other lodging options near the Refuge.

Enjoying Your Visit

Observing the elk rut is a unique and exciting experience. Please keep the following in mind to stay safe and have fun:

  • Check our Facebook page or call the Elk Hotline at 406-535-6904 for information on the number of elk in the viewing area. Staff and volunteers will provide updates when the number of elk changes significantly. 
  • Be patient! Elk viewing is popular; be prepared to encounter crowds and heavy vehicle traffic. Consider visiting in the middle of the week when it may be less crowded.
  • Be respectful of other visitors, staff, and volunteers. Guidance on parking and other activities may change depending on elk behavior and visitor levels. Follow any instructions given by Refuge staff, volunteers, or law enforcement officers.
  • Help reduce traffic on the road. When you find a spot to park on the south side of the road, leave your vehicle or ATV/UTV there. You do not need to stay in your vehicle to watch the elk, but you must stay on the road in the Elk Viewing Area. 
  • Never approach or disturb the elk or any other wildlife. It is stressful to the animals and unsafe for you.
  • Keep pets leashed and under control at all times.
  • Be mindful of noise. Turn off your vehicle or ATV/UTV when parked and limit generator use after 10 PM if camping on the bench above the Viewing Area.
  • Using artificial light to locate elk, or any other wildlife, is prohibited. This includes spotlights, flashlights, or headlights. 
  • Collecting shed antlers and animal skulls on the Refuge is illegal. These items are important sources of calcium for elk, deer, and other wildlife.

Hunting is not permitted in the Elk Viewing Area. The boundary is clearly posted from the Slippery Ann Campground to Slippery Ann Creek on both sides of sections of the Auto Tour Route (Road 101) and Road 201.