by NBC Montana StaffTue, November 12th 2024 at 3:20 PM
Hunters at west-central check stations experienced a slow couple of weekends in comparison to the beginning of the season, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Photo: NBC Montana
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MISSOULA, Mont. — Hunters at west-central check stations experienced a slow couple of weekends in comparison to the beginning of the season, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
Despite the slow weekends harvest totals are still up from last year.
At check stations near Anaconda, Bonner and Darby there were 5,212 hunter stops in the first two weekends of the season, up from 5,014 last year.
In the same period hunters checked 196 elk up from 165 last year, 68 mule deer compared to 57 last year and 168 white-tailed deer compared to 172 in 2023.
Officials remind the public to stop at check stations regardless of if you harvested animals and the general big game season ends on Dec. 1.
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Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks sent out the following:
At the midpoint of big game general hunting season, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks hunter check stations near Anaconda, Bonner and Darby all reported relatively quiet weekends, compared to the start of the season, but harvest totals remain up compared to last year.
Collectively, west-central Montana’s three FWP wildlife check stations saw 5,212 hunter stops during the first two weekends of the season, compared to 5,014 during the same period last year. Those hunters checked 196 elk, compared to 165 last year. They also reported 68 mule deer, compared to 57 in 2023 and 168 white-tailed deer, compared to 172.
Although deer harvest was slower during the third weekend, the deer rut picked up, and a handful of big mule deer and white-tailed deer bucks were harvested in all parts of the region. Mule deer harvest is up or on par with last year at all stations, and white-tailed deer harvest is down just slightly at the check station near Bonner, but on track with last season region-wide.
All stations are tracking on or above last season in elk harvest, with the biggest bump at the Bonner station of 38 elk, compared to 20 at the 2023 season midpoint.
Although wildlife check stations sample a relatively small portion of the overall effort and harvest, they capture important trends and biological information, and by stopping to report a harvest or an experience, hunters are helping with wildlife management in Montana. FWP reminds hunters they must stop at all wildlife check stations that they pass, even if they have not harvested any animals.
For more hunting season reminders and to track hunter success, stay tuned to the FWP weekly check station reports for west-central Montana. The general big game season runs through Sunday, Dec. 1.
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