Recap of Extended Elk Season

Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks released a preliminary estimate indicating 1,840 elk were harvested in the longest hunting season extension implemented by the agency. They went on to report that approximately 1,411 antlerless elk and 424 bulls were harvest across the 18 extended hunting districts. Despite this record long extension pre-established harvest quotas were not reached in any extended area. FWP noted that bull harvest quotas were not exceeded in any extended season area.

According to Kurt Alt, Regional Wildlife Manager, “Harvest approached bull quota first in hunting district 314 and shortly after that in other extended areas.” All extended areas were closed to bull hunting and in advance of severe winter weather.

Hunters should expect to see continued elk harvest opportunities in various areas of Region 3 through management seasons and game damage hunts until Feb. 15, 2009, including in hunting districts 360 and 362.Hunters needed to sign up by July 15 for management season and game damage hunting opportunities through FWP’s game damage roster.