GREAT FALLS – Big game hunters in north-central Montana should carefully review the hunting regulations in the districts they plan to hunt before venturing out this fall, as several changes are taking effect this year.
- HD 426 - Hunters are reminded that mule deer bucks can be harvested using a general license during the archery only season and first three weeks of the general rifle season (Oct. 24 - Nov. 15). Mule deer bucks can only be harvested with a special permit during the last two weeks of the season (Nov. 16 - Nov. 29).
- HD 447 - Mule deer bucks can only be harvested on National Forest lands with a permit during all seasons. Outside the National Forest boundary, mule deer bucks can be harvested using a general license during the archery only season and first three weeks of the general rifle season (Oct. 24 - Nov. 15). Mule deer bucks can only be harvested with a special permit during the last two weeks of the season (Nov. 16 - Nov. 29).
- New elk regulation - Antlerless elk cannot be harvested on the general license on National Forest lands during any season. Only 447-00 Elk B-license holders may harvest an antlerless elk on Forest Service lands.
- HD 471 - Mule deer bucks can be harvested using a general license during the archery only season and first three weeks of the general rifle season (Oct. 24 - Nov. 15). Mule deer bucks can only be harvested with a special permit during the last two weeks of the season (Nov. 16 - Nov. 29).
"The changes are coming in response to survey observations and data, along with hunter feedback that indicate declines in the overall number of bucks and changes in the age class distribution within mule deer herds in these districts. Antlerless opportunity is already low, so the last tool available to us is to limit buck harvest." said Shane Petch, FWP wildlife biologist in Stanford.
The changes were approved by the Fish and Wildlife Commission last December.
Montana's archery only season runs Sept. 5 to Oct. 18. The general rifle season runs Oct. 24 – Nov. 29. Contact FWP's Region 4 office for more information at 406-454-5840.