The 2024 Montana big game general hunting season opened with success in the west-central part of the state, as reported by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Data collected at wildlife check stations near Anaconda, Bonner, Darby, and Fish Creek showed an increase in harvest numbers compared to last year. White-tailed deer and elk harvest was almost double at the Bonner station, with elk harvest up 30 percent region-wide.
Hunters enjoyed mild weather and brought in a good number of animals over the opening weekend. The Darby station checked 72 elk, compared to 57 last year, as well as six mule deer and 12 white-tailed deer. Overall, the four wildlife check stations in west-central Montana saw 2,318 hunters who collectively checked 107 elk, 18 mule deer, 66 white-tailed deer, two black bears, and one moose.
Hunters were reminded to stop at all check stations, even if they did not harvest any animals, as it provides important biological information for wildlife management. Additionally, hunters were encouraged to submit samples from harvested deer, elk, and moose for chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing, with multiple sampling locations available.
Hunters play a crucial role in minimizing the spread of CWD and providing valuable data to FWP. With multiple big game hunting districts in west-central Montana designated as Priority Surveillance Areas for CWD, hunters are urged to participate in testing efforts. The general big game season runs through December 1st, and hunters are encouraged to stay updated on check station reports for hunting season reminders and tracking hunter success.
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Photo credit vp-mi.com