Caution advised as youth rifle hunt overlaps with archery season

Montana bowhunters hoping to close out archery season with a successful harvest will be sharing the field with youth rifle hunters on Thursday and Friday.

This year, the end of deer and elk archery season overlaps with youth hunting days on Oct. 17-18. 

Limited to hunters between the ages of 10-15, the deer-only youth hunt traditionally coincides with Montana’s two-day teachers’ convention when public schools are closed. 

Wildlife officials are advising bowhunters and youth hunters to be cognizant that they will be sharing the forests during this time. 

“It could be problematic in that most archers are out there in camo and not readily visible, so there is a potential for conflict,” said Jim Vashro, president of Flathead Wildlife, Inc. “I hope archers and youth hunters are extra vigilant.” 

Dillon Tabish, the regional communication and education program manager for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in Region 1, said the overlap happens every few years when the teachers' convention doesn't align with the general rifle season. 

“This is a long-standing tradition, to have the youth hunt coincide when the kids aren’t in schools. It’s really important to get the youth on the landscape,” Tabish said. 

He said he believes that hunters can share the woods for two days. 

Vashro cautioned hunters to be sure of their target and beyond before pulling the trigger.   

The big game general rifle season opens Oct. 26 this year, with archery season ending on Oct. 20. 

Reporter Kate Heston can be reached at kheston@dailyinterlake.com or 758-4459.