Montana’s 2025 general big game hunting season closed on Sunday, November 30, with harvest totals slightly up from the five-year average for both deer and elk in west-central Montana, despite mild weather conditions for most of the season.
During each of the six weekends of the season, the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) operated wildlife check stations near Anaconda, Bonner, and Darby. Reports indicate that the overall success of the hunters and a higher amount of traffic were observed this year compared to previous seasons. The elk harvest remained nearly identical to the previous year, though there was a slight increase in mule deer harvest and a marginal decrease in white-tailed deer.
This season, biologists recorded a total of 10,830 hunter stops. The summary of the harvest included 286 elk, 138 mule deer, and 508 white-tailed deer. For comparison, in the 2024 season, there were 9,905 hunter stops, with a harvest of 288 elk, 119 mule deer, and 525 white-tailed deer at the season’s end.
A notable success was recorded for mule deer, particularly at the Bonner check station where 76 mule deer were checked this season, compared to only 46 in 2024. Overall, every harvest category logged totals above the five-year average, indicating a positive trend in wildlife populations and hunter participation. As the seasons changed, cooler weather and early snowfalls formed a better environment for elk hunting during the last week, even as snowy conditions occasionally hampered accessibility for many hunters.
Another check station, located in the Fish Creek area of Mineral County, recorded significantly less hunter traffic and fewer harvest reports than the other stations, reflecting the varying participation rates across different locations. Even though check stations only account for a small fraction of the total regional harvest, their consistent operation over the years offers valuable insights into early harvest trends essential for wildlife management and conservation efforts.
The general rifle season officially closed on November 30, but hunters still have opportunities during the upcoming muzzleloader season, scheduled from December 13 to December 21, 2025. Hunters are encouraged to check regulations for each district beforehand, as seasonal closures have begun for many of Montana’s Wildlife Management Areas starting December 2. For more detailed information about these zones and upcoming hunting seasons, hunters can visit the FWP website.
Additionally, Montana's hunters are invited to express their gratitude towards landowners who provided access to hunting grounds, using an online portal created by FWP to collect and share these messages of thanks. Access to private lands is critical for many hunting excursions, and acknowledging landowner contributions may foster better relationships for future hunting seasons.
As the hunting community reflects on this past season, it is clear that increased participation alongside slightly improved harvest totals offers a message of hope for future seasons. With management strategies in focus, there is room for continued improvement and efforts towards a sustainable balance between wildlife conservation and hunting traditions in Montana.
The upward trends in harvest totals in west-central Montana suggest a positive reinforcement for ongoing conservation efforts and hunting regulations. Early reports from various check stations indicate that more hunters are engaging positively with the landscape thanks to supportive weather conditions. Yet, as experienced hunters know, conditions can shift rapidly, so staying adaptable will be crucial going forward. The recognition of landowner partnerships also underscores the integral relationship between hunters and local land management. These components signal a promising future for Montana's hunting community while balancing ecological responsibilities.