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FWP extends elk season in some areas

By SCOTT McMILLION Chronicle Staff Writer

Montana elk hunters will have an extra two weeks to ask each other that age-old question: “You get your elk yet?”


 That's because, after a slow season, the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved an extension of the season in much of the state.

“Once again, a lack of snow and cold weather, and some difficult public-access issues, played a significant role in keeping the harvest below our elk- management objectives,” said Quentin Kujala, chief of wildlife management for the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks in Helena.

The season had been scheduled to close Nov. 25, but now will remain open until Dec. 9 in many hunting districts.

However, hunting can be shut down with 24 hours notice if the commission so decides.

Across much of the state, elk numbers are higher than FWP and landowners want to see. In the districts with the extended seasons, harvests did not meet wildlife managers' objectives.

Depending on which area hunters are interested in, they may need only a valid 2007 general elk-hunting license or an antlerless or either-sex elk permit valid for specific areas.

General licenses, and some over-the-counter A9 licenses, which allow taking a second animal in some areas, can still be purchased, according to FWP.

Anybody who has already taken an elk with a general license is not eligible to purchase a second general-elk license.

The overall goal is to reduce elk numbers, FWP's Jeff Hagener told the commission in a teleconference Tuesday.

He noted that a similar season extension in 2005 “did not accomplish anything,” but mild weather continued into December that year. The recent snowstorm that swept across much of the state should help make elk more available, he said.

All regular-season hunting rules still apply, including the need to get permission to hunt on private land. Some block management areas also will be closed during the extended season.

The following nearby hunting districts will be affected by the extended season: 300, 314, 315, 320, 322, 323 (outside the Wall Creek Wildlife Management Area) 324, 325, 326,327, 328, 330, 333, 390, and 393.

For more information on other hunting districts around the state, go to www.fwp.mt.gov

Deer hunting will close on Sunday as planned.

Scott McMillion is at scottm@dailychronicle.com

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