GREAT FALLS – Based on data collected at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks check station in Augusta, the overall deer and elk harvest remains above average along the southern Rocky Mountain Front as the 2024 general rifle season nears the halfway point.
Through the third Sunday and the end of the second full week of the general rifle season, a total of 309 deer and elk have come through the check station, or approximately 28 percent more than the ten-year average, and 12 percent higher than the same period in 2023. The total number of hunters checked is in line with average observations at just under 1,200 individuals. More than 26 percent of hunters stopping at the check station have been successful harvesting big game, which is 6 percent above average.
As of Nov. 10, total deer and elk harvest is evenly split with 104 mule deer, 102 white-tailed deer, and 103 elk checked by hunters. Deer harvest continues to be steady and well distributed throughout the hunting districts (HD) covered by the check station, with hunters beginning to see the first signs of deer rutting activity. Bucks comprise 53 percent of the harvest, with antlerless deer making up the remaining 47 percent. Elk harvest continues to be near average with approximately two thirds of the elk at the check station being antlerless and one third antlered bulls.
The quota for antlerless elk has been met in HD 442, which will close to all hunting of antlerless elk effective one-half hour after sunset on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. HD 442 will remain open to hunting brow-tined bull elk only through the end of general rifle season on Dec. 1, and also during the heritage muzzleloader season Dec. 14 – 22.
The antlerless elk harvest quota has not yet been reached in HD 424, and that district currently remains open to antlerless elk harvest. Hunters can check with the Augusta check station at 406-562-3467 for questions and to check the antlerless quota status before leaving for their hunt.
In addition to the recorded deer and elk harvest, 11 antelope, 1 bighorn sheep, 1 moose, 1 mountain goat and a variety of upland game birds and waterfowl have been checked though the station. The antelope hunting season is now closed. Hunters are reminded to remain bear aware given ongoing observations and activity of grizzly bears in the area.
The general deer and elk seasons run through Sunday, Dec. 1. The check station operated by FWP along Main Street in Augusta is the only biological check station in Region 4 and operates seven days a week from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. on weekends. Biological check stations like the station in Augusta are intended primarily for biologists to gather trends and statistical information about animals and hunters. Hunters are reminded that they must stop at any check station they pass while hunting, whether or not they have harvested game.
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