Harvest numbers for elk on the Rocky Mountain Front continue to be below the long-term average, probably from the continuing warm weather, says an Fish, Wildlife and Parks wildlife biologist.
“Many hunters are struggling to find elk or find the effort to hunt elk due to the on-going mild weather,” said Brent Lonner, FWP wildlife biologist “weather and ground conditions are definitely in the elk’s favor. The elk harvest is about 28 percent below the long-term average.”
Mule deer numbers are also down, but the white-tailed deer harvest is above the long-term average.
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 have brought in 128 animals (74 bulls, 47 cows and seven calves) compared to the 10-year average of 179 elk.
Mule deer at the check station have numbered 121 animals: 114 bucks and seven does. The 10-year average is 149 animals.
White-tailed deer totals stand at 139 (94 bucks, 39 does and six fawns), while the 10-year average is 126.
The general deer and elk season ends Nov. 27.
