During Montana's general big game season, hunter participation in northwest Montana is down about 7% compared to last year, with 3,235 hunters recorded and a success rate of 7.1%. Harvest includes 183 white-tailed deer, 24 mule deer bucks, and 23 elk. Officials emphasize the need for CWD testing and adherence to hunting regulations.

In a recent Montana Outdoor Podcast episode, FWP Region 1 Wildlife Manager Neil Anderson discusses hunting prospects for 2026 in Northwest Montana. He highlights optimistic trends for whitetails and elk, challenges in locating black bears due to food supply variations, and opportunities for various bird species, along with essential safety tips for hunters.