Antlerless Elk Seasons Extended In Some Districts To Address Elk Population Objectives for 2004

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While the general 2004 big game hunting season will end on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2004 some hunting for antlerless elk will continue for an additional two weeks to reduce elk populations in several hunting districts, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks announced today.

"The elk harvest in some key areas is lower than expected," said Gary Hammond, chief of wildlife management for FWP in Helena. "Mild weather and lack of snow played a significant role in keeping the harvest below our elk-management objectives."

Each of the additional late hunts are for antlerless elk only. The hunts were authorized based on the following wildlife management criteria:

* The area elk herds are 20 percent or more over population objectives.

* The district hunting-season regulation was among the state’s most liberal for at least two years with a focus on harvesting elk to bring numbers down to established population objectives.

* Check station harvest rates are 25 percent below the five-year average.

* The area offered reasonable public access to huntable elk during the general hunting season.

No other general hunting season extensions for deer or elk are planned at this time, Hammond said. Hunters must have purchased an elk license by Nov. 28, 2004 to participate and hunters should confirm their permission to hunt on any Block Management lands and obtain permission to hunt on private lands.

Here’s a summary of the hunting opportunities available beginning Monday, Nov. 29, 2004 through Dec. 12, 2004:

Bitterroot Valley—Region 2 (2004 Season)   * Hunting District 270

Only hunters who already possess an A7 elk license valid for hunting district 270 will be allowed to hunt. To obtain an A7 license, you had to give up the opportunity to hunt elk anywhere else in the state.   

 

Southwestern Montana—Region 3 (2004 Season)

* Hunting Districts 300, 319, 321, 322, 323,324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 341.   

Any hunter with a valid general season elk license can hunt antlerless elk in these districts.   The portion of hunting district 323 that includes the Wall Creek Wildlife Management Area will only be open to individuals currently holding special permits for this area. The permits will be valid for antlerless elk only.

 

Central Montana—Region 4 (2004 Season)

* Hunting District 442

Any hunter with a valid general season elk license can hunt antlerless elk, as described in the 2004 elk hunting regulations. A9 (resident) and B12 (nonresident) elk licenses for this hunting district are still valid but only on private and State lands.

The FWP Commission can close any of these seasons on 48-hours’ notice.