Montana’s general deer and elk season opened on Oct. 21 and hunters are grabbing their rifles and orange gear and heading into the mountains. Fish, Wildlife and Park reports indicate that mule deer numbers are up and whitetail populations are beginning to recover after severe winter weather in the past.

The fires from last summer will have an impact on where elk and deer can be found, “wildlife will move out of a burned area temporarily in places where higher intensity burns left no forage base,” said Missoula Wildlife Biologist, Liz Bradley. “However, sometimes in the fall with added moisture from rain we may see a fall “green-up” where we get some new growth before the temperatures drop and winter sets in. In this case, it provides very nutritious forage at a very critical time before winter and deer and elk will readily seek out this food source.”

In a previous report, Montana Sportsmen’s Alliance founding member, John Borgreen said that “on winter ranges where fires have not burned for more than 20 years, an acre of winter range will typically yield from 30 to 120 pounds of forage. On winter ranges that burned in the last year or two, however, the production typically jumps to 200 to 3000 pounds of forage per acre.”

During this season, Bradley said the Sunrise Fire specifically affected hunting district 202 and those that drew special licenses for antlerless white tailed deer B-licenses and antlerless elk permits for some subdistricts. Hunters with these licenses need to check current regulations before setting off to their favorite spot. Also because of the Sunrise Fire there are still a few road closures including Weaver Gulch Road, NFSR #5461 which is closed at the junction with St. Pats Road #7783 to the end of the road. Meadow Creek One Road, NFSR #17424 at the junction with Meadow Creek Road #7788 to the end of the road and Quartz Creek Tie Road, NFSR #18006 from the junction with St. Pats Road and ending at Quartz Creek Road #345.

Hunting can also be a good time to create a bond and special memories with young family members. Fish, Wildlife and Parks has an Apprentice Hunter program for youth ages 10 and older to hunt as apprentices with a mentor for two seasons without completing a Hunter Education course. As of 2017, there is no longer an upper age limit on being an apprentice. The mentor must be at least 21 years of age and also has to have completed hunter education if born after Jan. 1, 1985. Forms and guidelines can be found at fwp.mt.gov.

Another thing to keep in mind while scouting out a hunting area is that grizzly bear populations are continuing to expand in western Montana according to a report by Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. Hunters need to remember that they are sharing the forests with bears and always remain “bear aware” said Bear Management Specialists, Jamie Jonkel.

Safety precautions include carrying bear spray and be prepared to use it. Let others in your party know what your plans are and pay attention to fresh bear sign such as tracks, scat and concentrations of natural foods. Also use caution when there is evidence of bear activity or areas with scavenging birds such as magpies, ravens, or crows.

Harvest game quickly and leave the area. If you do leave game unattended upon returning study the area from a distance and looks for any movement or changes and make plenty of noise when approaching harvested game.

If a bear does reach harvest game, do not attempt to frighten or haze it from the carcass and if it is consumed or covered in debris, render it unsalvageable.