Kalispell — Montana’s general hunting season starts this week with a deer-only, two-day youth hunt followed by the five-week deer and elk rifle season.
The youth hunt for deer is limited to ages 10–15 and runs Oct. 21-22, 2021. The general deer and elk season runs Oct. 23 – Nov. 28, 2021.

• 2021 Montana Big Game Hunting Forecast
• Frequently Asked Questions from Montana Hunters

In northwest Montana, FWP will operate game check stations at specific locations on weekends from 10 a.m. to approximately 1.5 hours past sunset. The regional game check stations will be located at U.S. Highway 2 West of Kalispell, Montana Highway 83 north of Swan Lake, Highway 200 west of Thompson Falls, and Highway 93 near Olney.
Hunters must stop at any check station they encounter whether they harvested an animal or not.
Northwest Montana (Region 1) Reminders

• Hunters should review the regulations for each hunting district they plan to hunt.
• Elk hunting is brow-tined bull only in Region 1 (northwest Montana). Spike elk are not legal game in this region.
• Hunters who purchased the 199-20 either-sex white-tailed deer B license can only use that license within the Libby CWD Management Zone.
• Mule deer buck hunting in the North Fisher portion of Hunting District 103 near Libby is permit-only.
• Many private lands that were historically owned by corporate timber companies have changed ownership, and hunters should review the Block Management Program for Region 1 to view available public access opportunities and restrictions on private lands.
• The first week of both archery and general deer and elk season are open to youth-only (ages 12-15) hunting on Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge. A non-hunting adult at least 18 years of age must accompany the youth hunter in the field. Adults may not cross refuge property for the purpose of hunting non-refuge property during the youth-only hunting season.
• Hunters should “Be Bear Aware” and properly store food and carcasses. Hunters should avoid hanging carcasses near houses or garages. Carcasses should be suspended at least 10 feet above the ground and 4 feet out from any upright support. Hunters are encouraged to carry bear spray and know how to use it. More food storage and safety information are available on the FWP website, fwp.mt.gov.

 
Contact a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks regional office for more information. In northwest Montana, call (406) 752-5501.

A binocular is one of those tools that end up proving to be nearly invaluable. From checking distant targets for a fellow shooter to scouting for deer in the early autumn and bird watching, a binocular allows you to see more and see better. There’s a lot to choose from in the world of enhanced vision, including magnification ranges, lens size, additional features and (usually the most important factor) price. Let’s take a look at what the differences are, and which type of binocular is right for you.

During this one hour introductory class, we will cover:

• The four Universal Firearms Safety Rules
• Basic handgun nomenclature
• Basics of safe gun handling and storage of firearms/ammunition in the home.

Local food pantries across the state are preparing to receive donations from the Hunters Against Hunger program. The program, a partnership between FWP and the Montana Food Bank Network, allows hunters to donate a portion or all of their legally harvested big game animals to be processed free of charge. The meat is then provided directly to a local food pantry in the area.

Since its inception in 2014, over 130,000 pounds of meat has been donated through the program and distributed to Montanans struggling with food insecurity through 29 local food pantry sites. Meat is extremely expensive for food pantries to provide, yet a highly nutritious resource for their clients.

“We have never in my time here had this much game. Truly a huge gift,” said Jill Holder, operations manager at Gallatin Valley Food Bank, about the impact of the program.

Participation by local meat processors and hunters are the keys to success for this growing program. Big game donations (deer, elk, antelope, moose and wild buffalo) can only be accepted as part of the program by authorized participating meat processors set up around the state. Only legally harvested or confiscated big game animals can be donated. No road kill can be donated. A full list of authorized processors can be found at the Montana Food Bank Network website at mfbn.org/hunters-against-hunger

To offset the cost of processing, hunters purchasing a Montana hunting license are given the opportunity to make a monetary donation to this program. Additional donations to the program are being accepted by the Montana Food Bank Network.

​Optics are an instrumental tool to the avid hunter. Your day can hinge on your ability to find an animal on a distant mountain face. Or determine the size of the bull elk on the next ridge at first light. Or identify the rutting whitetail buck that’s chasing a doe your way across the cornfield. As you no doubt know, the scenarios are endless.

Introducing STYRKA, a new line of optics dedicated to providing hunters with outstanding products.WHY ENTER SUCH A CROWDED MARKET, YOU ASK?  We’ve learned a few things from over a century of experience in the optics industry and have applied this knowledge and experience to STYRKA products.

We also feel like there’s a place for a hunting optics company to illuminate the science of optics for the hunter. No spin or embellishment. Just the facts. That’s our ongoing goal. We also think it’s time for a hunting optics company to really stand behind their product. To make a commitment of excellence to you, the customer.

With Montana's bow hunting and upland game bird seasons opening Sept. 1, remember that slow moving, quiet or game-calling, scented and camouflaged hunters will soon be sharing the landscape with the state's even stealthier bears that may be stalking similar prey.

​It may not be an encounter one hopes for, but all hunters must be aware there is that potential.

Each spring, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks receives several calls from people who have picked up deer fawns or other wildlife. FWP no longer accepts, holds or rehabilitates ungulates like deer, moose and elk because the animals often die from the stress of captivity, and because of concerns with the spread of disease.

​There are many cases in which good intentions lead to dire consequences. One spring in Miles City, a person saw a fledgling bald eagle hopping around on the ground, which is normal behavior as they learn to fly. Thinking the bird was injured, the person threw a blanket over it and brought it to the FWP office. The eagle escaped and flew in the opposite direction of the nest, and it’s not known if it returned.
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In a more high-profile case in Yellowstone National Park two years ago, a bison calf was picked up and transported by tourists who believed it had been abandoned. The calf ultimately had to be euthanized because it couldn’t be reunited with the herd and continued to approach people and vehicles.

​All Proceeds Will Go To Kalispell Elks Charities
​Veterans | Scholarships | Needy Children