By Charlie Keegan
Hunters are having a hard time filling their elk and mule deer tags this fall. As we enter the fourth weekend of big game hunting season in Montana, harvest numbers are still down across the Rocky Mountain Front.
According to Fish, Wildlife and Parks, only 79 elk have been counted at the Augusta game check station. That’s more than 50 elk below the five year average.
With 71 mule deer checked in at Augusta, harvest is down more than 30% over a five year average.
FWP says these numbers only show results from a few hunting districts on the Front, but can be applied across north central Montana.
While officials have seen an increase in the number of hunters in the region, one wildlife biologist says cold weather may help bring the averages up. Brent Lonner says, “The colder weather, especially over here with the migratory herd, the migratory elk that these are, the colder weather will force these elk to come down from higher elevations where they spend their summers then they get more accessible.”
Lonner reminds hunters you’re required to stop at game check stations even if you’re unsuccessful.
The good news is numbers show the white-tailed deer hunt is right on average. Big game hunting season ends November 27th.
Wolf hunts are underway in Montana and Idaho. So far, 62 wolves have been harvested in the Treasure State which has a limit of 220.
There is no quota in Idaho, where hunters have killed 114 wolves.
In Wyoming, wildlife managers will be taking public comment this Tuesday on a plan to stop federal protections of Wyoming wolves and turn management over to the state.
The plan would allow wolves to be shot on sight as unprotected predators in most parts of Wyoming. Wolves outside of Yellowstone National Park would be protected as trophy animals.
Environmental groups want wolves to be protected throughout Wyoming.
Montana’s general rifle wolf hunting season ends December 31st.