It’s been a banner season for Montana's deer hunters and it’s only the beginning. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (Montana FWP) recently reported that they’re currently checking in the highest number of harvested whitetail deer in northwest Montana since 2017, according to a press release. To date, 209 whitetail deer (102 bucks), 12 mule deer and 21 elk have been checked in at four check stations in Region 1. 

“The white-tailed deer harvest in the region was the highest to start the season since 2017,” said Neil Anderson, Montana FWP Regional Wildlife Manager. “We predicted a slight increase in white-tailed deer population due to high fawn recruitment after two years of mild winter.”

Last year, check stations were replaced with voluntary chronic wasting disease (CWD) sample stations; however, this year, Montana FWP has brought back mandatory check stations that are manned from 10 a.m. to approximately 1.5 hours past sunset. 

In Region 1, these stations are located at:

• U.S. Highway 2 West of Kalispell

• Montana Highway 83 north of Swan Lake

• Highway 200 west of Thompson Falls

• Highway 93 near Olney

Hunters are required to stop whether or not they have taken an animal.

Additional CWD monitoring will also take place in Hunting District 100, 103, 104, 120, 121, 122 and 170. Should you harvest a deer or elk from this area, you can opt for voluntary CWD testing. Instructions are available here if you choose to do so.

General deer and elk season end Nov. 28.

Good luck!