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White-Tailed Deer Harvest Steady, Elk Numbers Down

The number of whitetail bucks checked is up 26 percent and elk numbers are down 22 percent in Northwest Montana

By Beacon Staff

Despite fewer hunters in the woods, the number of white-tailed bucks that have been harvested is up 26 percent this season, according to the latest check station results.

A total of 8,095 hunters have checked 428 white-tailed deer, including 342 bucks, at six check stations in Northwest Montana, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. There have also been 74 mule deer and 28 elk reported by hunters. The hunter success rate this season is 6.5 percent, compared to last year’s 5.2 percent.

The number of white-tailed bucks checked is up 26 percent, mule deer numbers are about the same and elk numbers are down 22 percent as compared to last year’s check station results at the same point in the season. Hunter numbers are down 7 percent.

Hunters have taken 13 wolves in Region One. Statewide, hunters have taken 54 wolves as of Nov. 10.

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

Wildlife Manager Jim Williams noted that strong numbers of younger bucks continue to show up at the check stations.

“We anticipate seeing the older bucks come through check stations over the next few weekends,” he said.

Williams added that despite the soggy conditions on Sunday, hunters were successful and appeared to be having fun.

Hunters are reminded that it is buck-only for white-tailed deer in Northwest Montana. Antlerless whitetails remain legal game for youth 12-15 years of age (and some qualifying 11-year olds, see regulations). Mule deer are buck-only for the entire season. Elk are brow-tine bull only. Spike bull elk are not legal game for any hunter in Region One. Hunters should refer to the hunting regulations for the hunting district they plan to hunt.

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