Gray skies, golden larch and snow-capped mountains are the telltale signs of a promising opening day for big-game hunters Sunday.

That nip of cold in the air, along with recent rain and snow, have combined to produce "encouraging" conditions for hunters, according to Jim Williams, regional wildlife manager for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

"Essentially the last four or five nights there has been snowfall at high elevations," Williams said Friday. "That snowfall, in all probability, is moving animals around and pushing them down to midslope where they will be more available to hunters."

The recent moisture also has softened up vegetation in the woods, creating a quieter environment for stalking, Williams said.

"Conditions are going to be good for hunters because it will be more quiet," he said.

With another cold front pushing through Northwest Montana, more high-elevation snow and low-elevation rain is forecast for the weekend.

Those conditions also will require hunters to be prepared, Williams said.

"Survival-type planning is essential when snowfall and winterlike conditions are present. Hunters should plan on having proper gear for cold and wet weather," Williams said. "Be sure to cover yourself with hunter orange and hunt smart, relative to people, the weather and the law."

Because conditions are so favorable for hunters, Williams anticipates a "very busy afternoon" at the state's seven game check stations in Northwest Montana.

Last year on opening day, 66 whitetail bucks, 31 mule deer and 19 elk were checked at the stations, which measure a fraction of the overall harvest.

"I would bet with these conditions that we can at least match that, and folks might be even more successful given how quiet the woods will be," Williams said.

Reporter Jim Mann may be reached at 758-4407 or by e-mail at [email protected]