This hunting season, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has redoubled its brucellosis surveillance efforts, collecting blood samples from hunter-harvested elk in key areas including the Madison, Paradise, and Shields valleys and other nearby areas.

Warmer than average temperatures and lack of snow continue to hamper elk hunter efforts along the Rocky Mountain Front. "The number of elk brought through the Augusta check station is down by over half as compared to the 10-year average," says Brent Lonner, Fish, Wildlife and Parks wildlife biologist. So far this season, hunters have brought in 92 elk compared to the 10-year average for this date in the hunting season, which is 208. For deer hunters, however, it’s a different tale.

The hunting of all mountain lions in north-central Montana hunting districts 413 and 432, which includes portions of Cascade, Meagher and Judith Basin counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Friday, November 21, 2008.

The hunting of all mountain lions in western Montana hunting districts 280, 281, 284 and 293, which includes portions of Powell and Lewis & Clark counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Friday, November 21, 2008.

Hunting District 424 will remain open to brow-tined bull until November 30, 2008.