Page 27 - Flathead Beacon // 10.29.14

FLATHEADBEACON.COM NEWS OCTOBER 29, 2014 | 27
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MOUNTAIN EXPOSURE
SOLID OPENER FOR WHITE-TAILED DEER IN NORTHWEST MONTANA
The opening of the general big game hunting season drew over 3,100 hunters across Northwest Montana last week- end, according to Montana Fish, Wild- life and Parks’ check stations.
At the six regional check stations, a total of 3,154 hunters checked 150 white- tailed deer, including 123 bucks, 33 mule deer and 11 elk. Hunters had a 6.2 per- cent success rate, compared to a 4.1 per- cent rate of hunters with game last year. There were over 200 more hunters out in opening weekend compared to last year, according to FWP. There were twice as many bucks taken, 123 compared to 66, across the entire region.
According to FWP Wildlife Manager Jim Williams, the opener was solid, re- flecting the good fawn recruitment over the past three years.
“We’ve had very good survival of young deer for several years running and this is showing up in the buck har- vest this weekend, with lots of yearling and 2-year old bucks,” Williams said.
The Swan and North Fork areas lagged behind the other four check sta- tions, with very few animals checked at the two stations. A total of 446 hunters hit the Swan last weekend and only nine reported white-tailed deer, including six bucks. No elk were taken in the Swan. The North Fork attracted 208 hunters, and those hunters reported one white- tailed deer and one elk.
The Olney check station saw the best results. Hunters checked 33 white-tailed bucks, eight white-tailed does, one bull elk and five mule deer bucks, for a 10.3 percent rate of hunters with game. The Highway 2 check station also saw strong results, with 75 white-tailed deer taken.
“This is one of the better opening weekends we’ve ever had,” said Tim Thi- er, FWP wildlife biologist at Olney.
“There was a nice distribution of age among the white-tailed bucks, with yearlings up to 3-year olds. I couldn’t be happier with how the hunters did this weekend.”
They added that reports across the region also indicated a strong harvest of deer by young hunters the previous week during the Oct. 16 and 17 youth hunt.
Hunters are reminded that regula- tions for white-tailed and mule deer in Region One are buck-only through the end of the hunting season. Youth 12- 15 (and some qualifying 11-year-olds, see the regulations) can take antlerless whitetail deer. Elk hunting is brow-tined bull only. Spike elk are not legal game.
Hunting season for deer and elk con- cludes Nov. 30.
MAIN STREET WIRE
COMMUNITY GROUP SEEKING SUBMISSIONS FOR NEW LAKESIDE FLAG
Calling all artists. A community or- ganization in Lakeside is asking for cre- ative design submissions for a new flag to hang in Volunteer Park.
The Friends of Frosty, a local group that builds snowmen during winter to display along the U.S. Highway 93 corri- dor, is asking members of the communi- ty to help design a new flag for the town. Local businessman Eric DePew has of- fered to pay for the cost of creating the flag and the Flathead County Parks and Recreation Department has approved the request to hang the flag in Volunteer Park.
The group organizing the effort is seeking for creative designs that reflect the activities, assets and seasons in Lakeside. Some possible themes include boats, skiing, Lakeside Fair, autumn col- ors and trees.
Submissions are due by Nov. 30. Any- one can enter a drawing submission. The design must be able to fit a rectangular flag with dimension of 3-feet high and 5-feet long. Designs must be sent via email to [email protected] or to Friends of Frosty, PO Box 232, Lake- side, MT 59922. Submissions must be accompanied with the artist’s full name, phone number, address and your age.
For more information, call Susan Repa at 844-6044.
VOLUNTEERS, PROJECTS NEEDED FOR ANNUAL RAKE UP THE FLATHEAD
Volunteers and projects are needed for the ninth annual Rake Up the Flat- head on Saturday, Nov. 8. The United Way Volunteer Center is coordinating the event and is seeking both volun- teers to do fall yard work and referrals of senior citizens or disabled people who need help with fall projects.
Whether it’s raking leaves, stacking firewood or hauling leaves to the refuse site, volunteers can help. Individuals, families, businesses and church groups are invited to volunteer for a fun and rewarding time that helps people who can’t do their own fall cleanup. Busi- nesses, youth groups and church groups that can’t work on the scheduled days can still participate by calling the Unit- ed Way to set up a time that works for their group.
To volunteer for Rake Up the Flat- head or to make a referral for a project that needs doing, call the United Way Volunteer Center at 752-7266. Registra- tion deadline for projects is Friday, Oct. 31.
Available November 1st!
MONGOLIAN GRILL
130 Hutton Ranch Rd., Kalispell 406-755-0757 DINNER 4pm-Close
www.huhot.com
LUNCH 11am-4pm
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