Review Antlerless Elk Harvest Opportunities before Heading Out

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Hunters with a general elk license can harvest antlerless elk in some western Montana Hunting Districts (HDs) starting this week, and regulations vary by district, so be sure to review the regulations for the area you plan to hunt.

Hunters with a general elk license (a license purchased over the counter—not awarded through a special drawing) may hunt for antlerless elk and brow-tined bulls from Nov. 10 through Nov. 16 in the following western Montana hunting districts: HDs 210, 212, 213, 215, 216, 281, 283, 285, 291, 292 & 293.   General license holders can hunt only for brow-tined bull elk in these HDs during the other weeks of the season.

Three of the Bitterroot HDs also have special antlerless hunting opportunities starting this week.   Antlerless elk harvest is open to hunters with a general elk license beginning Nov. 10 on the east side of the Bitterroot in HDs 204, 261 & 270.   These districts will remain open for antlerless elk harvest through the end of the big game rifle season (Nov. 30) or until a set cow harvest quota is reached.   General license holders can also hunt for brow-tined bulls in these districts.

For general elk license holders, HDs 204, 261 & 270 north of Rye Creek will close to antlerless elk harvest upon 24-hour notice when the number of cow elk harvested from HD 270 checked through the Darby check station reaches 100.

Once 100 more (200 total) elk from HD 270 are checked through the Darby station, HD 270 south of Rye Creek will close to antlerless harvest with a general elk license.   Hunters should be aware that these quota numbers are different from the quotas listed in the Montana Deer, Elk & Antelope Hunting Regulations.

Hunters should check the FWP Region 2 Web page: fwp.mt.gov/r2 for the latest HD 270 cow harvest before heading to these Bitterroot districts.   Harvest totals will also be posted at the Darby check station.

Hunters who hold a special antlerless elk permit (awarded through special drawing), youth hunters ages 12-15, and disabled hunters with a Permit to Hunt from a Vehicle (PTHV) have additional antlerless hunting opportunities and can continue to hunt even after quotas have been met.   These hunters and permit holders should check the hunting regulations for specifics.

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