(Bozeman)—Both hunter numbers and harvest success rates increased during the third weekend of the general season, which was marked by cooler temperatures and mid-week snow.
Harvest success was above average across all check stations across southwestern Montana with the exception of the Canyon Ferry station, as it has not been operated in previous years.
The Gallatin check station did not operate during the third weekend, but the Cameron station reported record numbers of elk and white-tailed deer and above average numbers of mule deer. Harvest success at the Cameron check station was 23.3% for deer and elk, with 94 elk, 11 mule deer, and 12 white-tail deer checked.
A check station east of Canyon Ferry Dam operated on Sunday only, and reported 201 hunters coming through. Eight mule deer, two white-tail deer, and two elk were checked at this station; total harvest success was 6.0%.
At the Alder check station, staff checked 22 elk, 12 mule deer, and 5 white-tailed deer. A total of 235 hunters came through the station, for a total of 16% success at this station.
In Divide, harvest success was slightly above the 5 year average, at 13.0%. Staff checked 28 elk, 4 mule deer, and 1 white-tail deer from a total of 256 hunters who visited the station. The Mill Creek station did not operate over the third weekend.
FWP reminds hunters to stop at all check stations encountered—even if they have not harvested any animals. The general rifle season for deer and elk runs through Sunday, Nov. 29.
