Some of the most prime bow hunting in the northwest is located just outside Shelby’s back door. For deer hunting at its finest, the Marias River bottom offers some of the best white-tailed hunting in the state. Located only seven miles south of Shelby, several ranked Pope and Young white-tail have been taken. Newly acquired Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks property has established the Marias River State Park which will host limited-access deer hunting this fall.

Just 45 minutes of driving north will take you to the area of the Sweet Grass Hills. Pope and Young ranked white-tail have been taken from the Hills. The Sweet Grass Hills are also home to a tremendous herd of elk which are among the ultimate goal of any archer. Both the Sweet Grass Hills and the Marias River also harbor huge record book mule deer.

The antelope and prong horn are everywhere around Toole County and certainly offer a challenge to the open plains hunting style needed to bag these swift moving animals.

Shelby is located only 60 miles east of the slopes of the Rockies, so hunting in the mountains is by no means to be ruled out.

The Marias Valley Archers have developed a natural shooting range for the enjoyment of all shooters in the Shelby community. The Marias Valley Archers boasts a membership of nearly 50 including shooters and their families. The group offers seasonal leagues as well as annual competitions. The range is an invaluable resource to the 4-H Shooting Sports Program and the Bowhunter Safety Program. During winter months the group meets weekly to shoot both competitively and for fun at the Shooting Sports Arena at the Marias Fairgrounds.