Monte's Guiding & Mountain Outfitting - February 2009 Newsletter

Almost 2,000 outfitter sponsored elk combination and deer combination licenses are still available, on a first come, first serve basis. This is about what we expected. Hunters must reserve hunt dates with an outfitter to become eligible to purchase the sponsored licenses. If you didn’t draw in the general category, or if you missed the March 15 application date, you’ve got a second chance! Pick your dates and book your hunt; then purchase your hunting license.

We have openings in both bow and rifle seasons this fall. Call for available dates.

About the same number of people applied for the general licenses as last year. Odds of drawing the elk/deer combination license are about 60%; odds to draw the deer combination license are about 20%. The fact that these numbers held steady with last year surprised a lot of people. The drawing results will be available on April 15th.

Spring has arrived. Green grass is a welcome sight (and smell)! The big game animals are sure enjoying the fresher diet. My haystack isn’t nearly so appealing to the deer as it was. Geese, ducks, and sandhill cranes have returned. We’re hearing the cock pheasants and tom turkeys on a pretty regular basis. The gophers are practicing their gymnastics, in preparation for the varmint hunters who are coming later this month.

I pulled my traps two weeks ago. Ice hung on long enough to make my beaver season short.   At the end of the season, the fur market improved significantly. Hopefully that trend will continue into next season.

Spring elk population surveys are completed. I’ll post our district results when they’re available. Our elk herd has grown consistently over the past ten years.

The Fish Wildlife & Parks Commission has adopted final rules and regulations for 2010. Elk, deer, and antelope rifle seasons will open on Saturdays this year, giving us an extra day in the season. Limited entry elk permits will be required in most places in eastern and central Montana. We are fortunate that NO special permits are needed to hunt elk in our main district. In fact, a hunter can apply for a second elk license there.

A new law allows a bear hunter or lion hunter to purchase a license up to five days prior to hunting. Anyone wanting to hunt bear in May can still get a license.

The discounted youth hunting licenses are for sale now, to youth whose parent/guardian have a deer or elk license. This is one of the best hunting license deals in the country. I really like parents to bring the kids to hunt with them. We offer a discount on the hunt price, as well.

May 1st is the closing date for moose, sheep, and goat applications. Give me a call to discuss which districts to apply for. Results will be available by early July.

June 1st is the date to apply for antelope licenses, antlerless elk licenses, and special elk permits. Results should be available the end of July.   We have archery antelope openings available yet.

Do you have a different expectation when you hunt at home than when you hunt somewhere else? I live among wildlife and their environment all year. I’m continually impressed by the things I get to see and experience. I like to share that with my guests. I’m really pleased for my guests when they harvest an animal after a fair hunt. If I went hunting in some far-off place, would I be more interested in bringing something home, than I would be in watching and listening to nature there?   Maybe we should all do some thinking about this.

Monte