At the end of the third weekend of Montana’s big game general season on the Rocky Mountain Front, elk, mule deer and white-tailed deer harvest numbers continue to be far below the 10-year average, a state wildlife biologist says.
The numbers were collected at Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ check station in Augusta.
“There has been a slight improvement compared to last week,” says Brent Lonner, FWP wildlife biologist. “But it’s still pretty slow. Mild weather and the reduction in antlerless deer licenses this year remain the two top reasons why we’re checking fewer animals. The wintery weather we’re getting this week should help with the harvest.”
The numbers at the Augusta check station – FWP Region 4’s sole biological check station – apply only to a handful of hunting districts on the Rocky Mountain Front.
Elk hunters so far have brought in 89 animals (53 bulls, 26 cows and 10 calves) compared to the 10-year average of 147 elk.
Mule deer at the check station have numbered 52 bucks. The 10-year average is 126 animals.
White-tailed deer numbers this year in Augusta stand at 45 (29 bucks, 15 does and one fawn), while the 10-year average is 89.
(Report by Montana FWP)
