Mule deer, elk harvests ahead of last year

The second weekend of Montana’s general hunting season saw an uptick in hunters, and the numbers of harvested white-tailed bucks, mule deer and elk are slightly ahead of last year across Northwest Montana.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has reported more than 4,800 hunters at its five check stations across Region 1 through Nov. 3. FWP has checked 219 white-tailed deer, including 121 bucks, as well as 36 mule deer and 32 elk so far this season. The numbers of white-tailed bucks, mule deer and elk are slightly higher than a year ago. Total white-tailed deer harvest is slightly down compared to the first two weekends of the 2018 general season.

The counts at the hunter check stations represent a sampling of the harvest and do not represent the complete number of animals taken. Hunters must stop at all check stations that they pass, even if they have not harvested any animals.

The general big game season runs through Sunday, Dec. 1.

FWP reminds hunters to review the regulations for specific rules in each hunting district.