A good start so far for hunters

Hunters did pretty well in Region 1 so far compared to last year, according to figures from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

The six Northwest Montana check stations reported 2,879 hunters checking in 129 white-tailed deer, of which 105 were bucks , 11 mule deer and 18 elk for a 5.5 percent rate of hunters with game. This compares with a 4.7 percent rate last year.

Locally, the North Fork check station was slow, with no animals checked in.

The weather in the North Fork was very windy Saturday, but pleasant and cool on Sunday.

As expected, hunters were taking younger deer as populations are on the rebound from two previous harsh winters.

“This opening-day harvest at the check stations reflects an increasing number of young bucks,” FWP wildlife manager Jim Williams said.

Williams noted that more whitetail bucks were checked this year, even though hunter numbers at the check stations were down about 10 percent as compared to last year.

At most check stations, the number of deer and elk were up compared to last year, while the number of hunters was down slightly.

The weather this week should be cold with highs in the 30s and 40s and a good chance of snow, which should help hunters track game.