Hunter traffic, harvest mixed during closing weekend in SE Montana

Sunday's close of the deer and elk general season saw relatively mild weather and a mixed bag for hunter numbers and harvest rates at check stations around southeast Montana.

Hysham

The number of hunters passing through the Hysham rest area check station was typical for the closing weekend of the general deer and elk season. A total of 68 parties (average = 69) and 123 hunters (average = 134) passed through. The hunter harvest rate was 14 percent below the 10-year average for this weekend of the season, but the decrease in harvest rate is likely a byproduct of the decrease in mule deer doe licenses this season.

Harvested big game animals checked included 30 mule deer (29 bucks, one doe), 35 white-tailed deer (27 bucks, eight does) and two bull elk. The 10-year average for the closing day of the general season is 46 muley bucks, 14 mule deer does and 25 white-tailed bucks and eight white-tailed does.

The consensus from hunters was that in general mule deer numbers are below average but improved from last year. Most reported having a chance to harvest deer and valued their opportunities to hunt in eastern Montana. Hunters pursuing white-tailed deer reported seeing good to average numbers, and harvest success was high.

Ashland

Hunters experienced fair weather for this time of year during the deer and elk closing weekend. A total of 47 parties and 81 hunters came through the Ashland check station, with a harvest success rate of 30 percent (8 percent below the 10-year average). The number of hunters is 24 percent below the 10-year average for this weekend at Ashland. Harvest included five elk (one bull, three cows and one calf), 13 mule deer (12 bucks, one doe), seven white-tailed deer (five bucks, two does), two turkeys and one pheasant.

Glendive

The weather this past weekend was cold, clear and windy with temperatures around 30 degrees at the Glendive check station. A total of 19 parties and 30 hunters came through the check station with a harvest success rate of 43 percent. The FWP crew checked two white-tailed deer (one buck and one doe), five mule deer bucks, 14 pheasants, three sharp-tailed grouse and four Hungarian partridges. Of the hunters who came through the check station, most reported being satisfied with their hunts.

CWD sampling still available

Even though general season has ended, you can still have your animal tested during muzzleloader season and late elk seasons. Miles City FWP headquarters will be open for sampling through the end of late elk season, including during muzzleloader season. It is appreciated if people can call ahead to FWP headquarters at 406-234-0900.

You may also collect and submit your own sample by following instructions on the FWP website using the link below, but you will need to cover postage for mailing the sample and the cost of testing. Or people may collect samples and drop them off at FWP's Miles City headquarters.

For more information on CWD, visit: https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/chronic-wasting-disease