Hunters have good opener

Hungry Horse News

The general big game hunting season is underway and after the first weekend, the number of hunters who bagged a deer or elk is up over last year.

Based on data from the Region 1 check stations, 10% of hunters had game, with the Olney check station seeing the most success at 13%.

All told, 1,997 hunters stopped at check stations and had 163 whitetails, 67 of which were bucks. They shot 21 mule deer and 16 elk. L

The weather was cool, but fairly pleasant over the weekend. This week promises to be more unsettled, with a chance of snow, even at valley levels by the end of the week.

Snow can be very helpful, however, as it makes it easier to track game, particularly if it’s fresh snow.

Hunters are reminded to be cautious of chronic wasting disease.

CWD sample submission is voluntary in most places in Montana.

All hunters in HD 170 are encouraged to get their harvested deer and elk tested for CWD, particularly after a buck tested positive for the disease near the Flathead County landfill this week.

There are new mandatory testing requirements for tags associated with CWD management near Libby. Testing is required for all animals harvested using the Deer B License 199-20 in HDs 100, 103 and 104, or Deer Permit 103-50 in HD 103.

FWP strongly recommends that hunters receive a negative CWD test result before bringing their deer, elk or moose to a meat processor or donating it to a food bank. 

If the animal tests positive for CWD, FWP will advise the hunter on proper carcass and meat disposal and give instructions on how to request a replacement license.