General hunting season better than last year

Montana’s general deer and elk hunting season concluded Sunday (Dec. 1) and the overall harvest results at game check stations in northwest Montana showed increased success compared to last year.

More than 10,800 hunters stopped at regional check stations this season, and approximately 10 percent of them had successfully harvested game, compared to 9 percent a year ago. A total of 954 white-tailed deer, including 745 bucks, were reported at the four weekend check stations. Last year hunters checked 761 white-tailed deer, including 567 bucks. Check station results showed a slightly smaller mule deer harvest - 92 deer checked this year compared to 97 a year ago - and the elk harvest was slightly above last year - 62 harvested this year compared to 51 a year ago. The Thompson Falls check station had the best hunter success rate at 12.1%. The Swan had the lowest at just over 8%.

There’s still some opportunities statewide.

Certain areas have continued elk hunting opportunities, and there is also Montana’s Muzzleloader Heritage season for deer and elk, Dec. 14-22.