Hunters are bringing home fewer white-tailed and mule deer this year in West-Central Montana. Elk numbers are holding steady, however.
"It's the fourth week doldrums," says Ray Vinkey, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wildlife biologist responsible for the Anaconda station.
Antlerless elk and deer hunting closed for many general license holders by the fourth week of general hunting season, which likely contributed to the decline.
However, FWP wildlife biologists also note that buck harvest is declining as well as antlerless harvest, and in mule deer as well as whitetails, which may reflect a reduction in deer populations. As a result, FWP continues to consider whether to recommend more season adjustments next year.
Here's a list of the numbers of animals counted at check stations in Region 2 for the first four weeks of the season:
16,699 deer, 523 elk, 235 mule deer, 391 white-tailed deer, 6 black bears, 2 moose, 20 bighorn sheep, 3 mountain goats, 16 wolves
For more information click the following link:
Fish, Wildlife and Parks report on Deer Harvest in Region 2
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