Hunting And Outdoor Sports
How Opening Weekend Big Game Hunters Did in West-Central Montana
How Opening Weekend Big Game Hunters Did in West-Central Montana
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍West-Central Montana
The opening weekend of the general big game rifle season is a cherished ritual celebrated by thousands of hunters across Montana. As October ushers in cooler temperatures, it also marks the time for one of the most anticipated events in the hunting calendarthe big game opener. Things kicked off on Saturday, October 25, and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) has reported that this year's harvest totals appear to be on par with last year's elk count while showing improvement in deer yields across the west-central region of the state. According to data from various FWP wildlife check stations around Anaconda, Bonner, Darby, and Fish Creek, weather conditions included a bit of wind, rain, and snow, but these factors did not deter the spirits or the success of the hunters. Kirstie Yeager, a wildlife biologist with FWP in the upper Clark Fork, noted that "hunters enjoyed their time in the woods and brought in a few nice animals." A deeper look into the check station numbers shows that the numbers were promising. At the Anaconda station, hunters successfully checked in nine elk and five deer. Meanwhile, the check station near Darby reported 87 elk and 23 deer, a notable increase from last years numbers of 72 and 18, respectively. This increase is attributed to improved hunter enthusiasm and perhaps a more favorable weather pattern than expected. Rebecca Mowry, an FWP wildlife biologist in the Bitterroot Valley, confirmed that Sunday saw a significant increase in harvest numbers, as the weather cleared up. She remarked, "We had a couple of kids come through the Darby station with their first elk, as well as one adult," adding a personal touch of success stories that often resonate in the hunting community. Interestingly, the elk harvest in the Blackfoot Valley was somewhat below last years opener, but this did not negate the steady inflow of whitetail deer reported at the Bonner check station. Here, hunters checked in a good mix of younger male deer, although there were also reports of two older buck mule deer making it through the station, indicating a healthy age class in the population. Participation in the opening weekend events saw an uptick this year, with more hunters passing through the check stations compared to last year. In collective terms, the four wildlife check stations across west-central Montana recorded 2,549 hunters, who cumulatively checked in 105 elkjust slightly less than the previous year's tally of 107along with 27 mule deer, and a notable rise in returns for white-tailed deer, which reached 80 this year compared to 66 last year. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks continues to remind hunters of the importance of stopping at all check stations they encounter, whether they have harvested animals or not. While these check stations sample a relatively small fraction of the total hunting effort, they gather critical data that aids in wildlife management efforts across the state. By complying with this mandate, hunters contribute to ongoing wildlife management initiatives that will benefit future seasons and populations. As the general big game season continues through November 30, optimism remains high among the hunting community. With encouraging early trends, there is much for hunters to look forward to as the season progresses. In reflecting on this opener, it is clear that the west-central Montana hunting season is set in a strong cultural framework where both tradition and camaraderie pulse through the festivities. As friendships are forged and skills sharpened in the field, each harvest adds a story to an age-old narrative of respect for nature and wildlife.