Hunters in Lincoln County are exiting the woods with a slightly greater rate of success than last year. Part of the reason may be fewer hunters in the woods.

Numbers reported from the Canoe Gulch check station indicate a minor dip in hunter participation. By the second week of hunting season last year, 1,108 hunters had sought game. This year, 1,071 hunters have gone out in Lincoln County. So far, local hunters have claimed 26 white-tailed deer, 26 white-tailed bucks, 15 mule deer and eight elk. Those numbers represent slight upticks for every animal compared to this time last year except for mule deer. Last year, 20 mule deer had been downed by the second week.

This year, 4.6 percent of hunters have claimed game. Last year, 4.2 percent of hunters were successful by week two.

Six hundred less hunters have taken to the fields in Region One this year compared to last year. Significant increases in white-tailed deer and white-tailed bucks have contributed to a region-wide success rate of 6.5 percent, up from last year’s 5.2 percent. The 28 elk taken in two weeks is a drop from 36 elk last year. As of Nov. 10, hunters have killed 13 wolves in Region One this year and 54 statewide.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Wildlife Manager Jim Williams continues to see a lot of younger bucks at check stations.

“We anticipate seeing the older bucks come through check stations over the next few weekends,” Williams said.

Hunters in northwest Montana must remember that they can only shoot white-tailed bucks. Antlerless white-tailed deer are legal game for 12-15 year olds. Some 11 year olds may also shoot antlerless game. Mule deer are buck-only the entire season.

Hunters planning to visit Lewis and Clark County should know that antlerless elk may not be shot.