Heading into the final days of Montana’s big game general season, harvest numbers for
elk and white-tailed deer remain above the 10-year average on the Rocky Mountain Front, while
mule deer numbers are below the long-term average.
“The elk harvest is about one-quarter above the 10-year average,” said Brent Lonner,
Fish, Wildlife and Parks wildlife biologist. “The majority of that harvest continues to be cow
The numbers were collected at FWP’s Augusta check station– the department’s sole
Region 4 biological check station – and apply only to a handful of hunting districts on the Rocky
Mountain Front.
Elk hunters so far this year have brought in 319 animals (108 bulls, 181 cows and 30
calves) compared to the 10-year average of 243 elk.
Mule deer at the check station have numbered 177 bucks. The 10-year average is 243
animals.
White-tailed deer numbers stand at 215 (136 bucks, 55 does and 24 fawns), while the 10-
year average is 189.
The general deer and elk season runs through Nov. 29.