Montana’s General Deer and Elk Season Begins with Increased Hunter Success
MISSOULA, Mont. — Montana’s general deer and elk hunting season opened last weekend, with early reports from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) indicating slightly higher harvest success rates in northwest Montana compared to the same period last year.
FWP Region 1 officials documented nearly 2,000 hunters visiting check stations throughout the weekend, with white-tailed deer and elk harvest numbers trending upward. In contrast, mule deer harvests were lower than the previous season’s opening, a pattern consistent with ongoing population monitoring trends.
Season Duration and Check Station Details
The 2025 general hunting season will continue through November 30. FWP emphasizes that check stations operate on weekends during the season, from 10 a.m. until approximately 90 minutes after sunset.
- U.S. Highway 2 west of Kalispell
- Montana Highway 83 north of Swan Lake
- Highway 200 west of Thompson Falls
- Highway 93 near Olney
Hunters are legally required to stop at all check stations encountered, regardless of whether they have harvested animals. This protocol ensures accurate sampling and monitoring of wildlife harvests.
Wildlife Context: Species Harvest Trends
White-tailed deer and elk populations often show year-to-year fluctuations influenced by factors such as habitat conditions, predator dynamics, and weather patterns. The increased harvest success for these species may reflect both robust local populations and favorable hunting conditions.
The decline in mule deer harvest could be indicative of regional population pressures, as mule deer numbers have historically been sensitive to winter severity and habitat changes, emphasizing the importance of continued population assessments.
Chronic Wasting Disease Monitoring Continues
FWP highlights the critical role hunters play in chronic wasting disease (CWD) surveillance. Sampling harvested deer, elk, and moose provides vital data on disease prevalence and spread, informing management and containment efforts for this fatal neurological disease.
Hunters can submit samples at designated CWD sampling stations or FWP offices, or opt to self-collect and mail samples to the Wildlife Health Lab in Bozeman by completing the online hunter submission form.
Upcoming CWD Sampling Clinic
On Thursday, October 30, FWP will host a CWD sampling clinic at its Kalispell office from 5 to 6 p.m. This event aims to teach hunters how to properly collect lymphatic tissue for testing. Participants may bring recently harvested deer or elk heads, and practice samples will also be available.
CWD Testing Requirements and Recommendations
While CWD testing remains voluntary across most of Montana, hunters in Hunting District 170 are strongly encouraged to have their deer and elk tested. Testing is mandatory for animals harvested under specific tags near Libby, including:
- Deer B License 199-20 in HDs 100, 103, and 104
- Deer Permit 103-50 in HD 103
FWP advises hunters to await negative CWD test results before processing meat or donating it to food banks, as proper carcass disposal is essential to limit disease transmission if a positive case is confirmed.
Additional reporting and sources from: Hunters report higher success as Montana’s general deer and elk season gets underwaySearchSearchUser Icontwitter iconfacebook iconComment on this storyShare storyComment with Bubbles
