Montana National Guard hosting Purple Heart Hunt at Fort Harrison

Clark Fork Valley Press

The Montana National Guard will again this year be providing an opportunity for up to five Purple Heart recipients to hunt mule deer on the training area

at Fort William Henry Harrison.

The hunt is in accordance with regulations associated with Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Hunting District 388. Being a Purple Heart recipient is the only requirement to be eligible for this program.

The available dates for the 2020 hunt will be conducted from Nov. 9-15. One hunter will be allowed each day. No party hunting will be permitted.

This year hunters are not required to possess a permit to hunt from a vehicle.

“Reservations are on a first come basis and open on Oct. 1. Reservations can be made by phone to Fort Harrison Range Control at 406-324-3694,” said Capt. Shawn Madsen,

Fort Harrison’s range control officer.

Hunters must follow all FWP deer hunting regulations for hunting district 388, a weapon restricted area. The only firearms that may be used are muzzleloaders, handguns with a barrel shorter than 10 ½ inches, and shotguns. Archery is also allowed in the weapons restricted area.

“The Montana Purple Heart Deer Hunt is a way for us to thank those veterans who have given so much to our state and nation,” said Maj. Gen. Matthew Quinn, the Adjutant

General for Montana. “I encourage everyone who is eligible to make a reservation to participate.”