Town management hunt begins

A management season hunt has been put in place for Ekalaka. The purpose of this hunt is to reduce conflicts with mule deer by reducing deer numbers. Below is some general information about this management hunt.

The hunt will run from the archery opener, September 1, 2018, until February 15, 2019.

Valid Licenses for the hunt include Region 7 Mule Deer B Licenses, and General A Deer licenses will be valid for antlerless mule deer for the management hunt. Additional antlerless licenses will be made available that are specific to the Ekalaka Management Hunt Area. These management hunt licenses will be sold on a first come, first serve basis, up to five per person. Keep in mind that an individual hunter may only possess a maximum of seven deer B licenses statewide in any combination. Hunters must also possess a current Base Hunting License, Conservation License and Bow & Arrow license.

Antlered deer may be harvested only during the regular archery and general seasons (September 1 - October 14 and October 20 - November 25, 2018). The only license valid for antlered deer is the general A license. Within town limits, hunters must harvest a doe before any attempt to harvest a buck.

The management seasons are archery only due to safety concerns imposed by the proximity to residential areas and businesses. Ekalaka management hunt licenses are archery only at all times. General Deer A and Region 7 Deer B licenses are archery only within city/town limits. Outside of city/town limits, hunters may use legal firearms to harvest deer on General Deer A and Region 7 Deer B licenses during the general rifle season with landowner permission. These licenses are valid for archery only at all other times during the management hunt.

Hunters are required to obtain permission to access private property. Maps for the hunt are available at the Ekalaka Town Office.

All applicable laws and hunting regulations apply.

For more information please contact: Melissa Foster, Wildlife biologist at 406-852-2032; Game Warden, Ekalaka at 406-853-7400 or 1-800-TIP-MONT; FWP Regional Headquarters at 406-234-0900; Town of Ekalaka at 406-775-8731.