MILES CITY – Closing weekend of the general deer/elk season was a bit colder than normal in southeast Montana, with hunter traffic at game check stations around the region either down a bit or close to average.
Hysham check station
The Hysham check station saw 69 parties and 124 hunters come through Dec. 1, which is very close to average for the final weekend. Harvest success of the individual hunters was near 48 percent, which is about 26 percent below average for the closer.
FWP crews were able to gather harvest data on 14 mule deer bucks (no does were checked), 27 white-tailed deer (24 bucks and three does) and four elk (three bulls and one cow). The number of hunters with mule deer bucks was significantly down; typically crews check around 45 mule bucks on closing day at Hysham. The number of whitetail bucks was near average.
Ashland check station
The weather was slightly cooler, which likely facilitated good big game activity. A total of 77 hunters came through the Ashland check station, which is 29 percent below the 10-year average for this weekend.
The harvest success rate was 47 percent, which is moderately above the 10-year average for the deer and elk closer at Ashland. Harvest included seven elk (one bull, six cows), 11 mule deer (nine bucks, two does), 15 white-tailed deer (12 bucks, three does), four turkeys, two pheasants and seven sharp-tailed grouse.
Most hunters enjoyed their time afield and several reported seeing more mule deer than in the last couple years.
Glendive check station
Overall the Glendive check station was slower than normal. Fewer hunters came through than in past years, likely due to the freezing temps Sunday. The weather was windy and cold with temperatures around 15 degrees. A total of 11 parties and 21 hunters came through the check station, 30 percent lower than the average number of hunters checked on past closing weekends.
Of the hunters checked, five had game for a harvest success rate of 24 percent. Two white-tailed deer (one buck and one doe), three mule deer (two bucks and one doe) and six ring-necked pheasants were checked.
Of the hunters who came through the check station, most reported being satisfied with their hunts.
