Hunter numbers up, success rate about the same

Hunter numbers are up slightly at the six Northwest Montana check stations through Nov. 10, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials reported, and the harvest through the third weekend of the general hunting season was very similar to last year.

A total of 8,695 hunters checked 341 white-tailed deer (including 290 bucks), 71 mule deer and 36 elk for a 5.3 percent rate of hunters with game.

“Whitetail harvest is starting to pick up, and the next three weeks should be really good for hunters,” FWP Region 1 wildlife manager Jim Williams said.

A total of 568 hunters in the North Fork checked 13 whitetails, eight whitetail bucks, two mule deer and no elk for a success rate of 2.6 percent hunters with game. Other than elk, those were better numbers than last year.

The Olney check station reported the best success rate, 7.8 percent, with 1,211 hunters checking 83 whitetails, 73 whitetail bucks, six mule deer and five elk. All those numbers were better than last year.

Hunters in Region 1 have taken 25 wolves as of Nov. 12. Statewide, hunters have taken 73 wolves.

The counts at the six Northwest Montana check stations represent a sampling of the harvest and do not represent the complete number of animals taken.

Hunters are reminded that it’s bucks-only for whitetails in Northwest Montana. Antlerless whitetails remain legal game for youths 12-15 years of age (and some qualifying 11-year olds, see regulations).

Mule deer are bucks-only for the entire season. Elk are brow-tine bulls only. Spike bull elk are not legal game for any hunter in Region 1. Hunters should refer to the hunting regulations for the hunting district they plan to hunt.