General season ends with mild weather, mixed hunter harvest rates in southwestern Montana

Hunter harvest rates in southwestern Montana were mixed during the general deer and elk hunting season, according to data gathered by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks biologists. Mild weather during much of the general season made it challenging for hunters to find game at some lower elevations.

The general season was held over five weeks and six weekends from Oct. 26 through Dec. 1. During that time, FWP staff operated game check stations at various times and locations in southwest Montana, including stations in Alder, Cameron, Canyon Ferry, Divide, Gallatin Canyon, Silver City and Toston. Coll...