Let the chase begin. This weekend marks the arrival of Montana’s general big game hunting season. On Oct. 20-21, youth hunters (10-15 years of age) have the first opportunity to seek deer with legally licensed hunters who are 18 or older. On Oct. 22, the field opens to everyone with a deer or elk license.
The general rifle season runs Oct. 22-Nov. 27.
Hunters who purchase a general deer license can harvest an antlerless deer for the first eight days, from Oct. 22-28 throughout most of Region One. Hunters can also harvest antlerless whitetail on private land excluding Weyerhaeuser, Stoltze and Stimson lands, from Nov. 21-27.
Winter survival rates have been favorable in recent years, leading to a positive outlook for the season.
“It’s going to be a great year for beginning hunters and kids because we have such a strong number of whitetails this year,” FWP Region One Spokesperson John Fraley told the Beacon last month. “People should see a lot of deer when they’re out hunting this year.”
Hunters are reminded to be aware of bears in light of recent incidents. Bears are particularly active in the period leading up to mid-December when they hibernate for the winter.
For more information, visit http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting.