West-central Montana hunter check station results from 2025 opening weekend.

These two hunters (below) passed through the Bonner hunter check station on opening weekend. Hunter Nowlen (left) harvested this mature mule deer buck while hunting with his father Sheldon (right). A truck breakdown forced them to take the Subaru hunting down a smoother road, which ultimately led to finding this impressive deer in a new spot–sometimes the stars just align.

Montana hunter Fletcher Degroot (center) shot this outstanding mule deer buck while hunting with his father Ryan (right) and his grandfather Tom (left).

FWP wildlife biologist Lee Tafelmeyer aging a deer at the Bonner Check Station.

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