Hunter check station totals tracking just above average

MISSOULA – After the first two weekends of big game season, west-central Montana hunter check stations are collectively reporting elk and deer harvest totals slightly down from last season and just up from the five-year average.

The second weekend was a bit slower than typical at the region’s four hunter check stations, maybe due in part to the drastic change in weather that brought cold temperatures and snow to the region mid-week, deterring hunters from exploring some locations.

On the second weekend of the season, the region had highs in the 20s, compared to 60s and 70s opening weekend. Snow also accumulated in many areas, especially in higher elevations.

So far this season, hunters have checked 136 elk, 32 mule deer, and 120 white-tailed deer through the stations compared to 149 elk, 40 mule deer, and 148 whitetails at this point in 2022. Harvest for all species is up slightly from the five-year average, with some localized exceptions.

Although reported elk harvest is trailing a bit behind last season, a few young hunters visited a regional check station with their first elk over the weekend, along with others like local high school student, Cormack Batt, who was lucky enough to draw and fill a mule deer tag in Bitterroot Valley hunting district 270.

Hunting harvest success should pick up over the next few weekends if colder conditions hold and as the deer rut begins. Hunters must stop at all check stations that they pass, even if they have not harvested any animals. The general big game season runs through Sunday, Nov. 26.