Hunting Season in Final Week with Numbers Steady

With the hunting season ending in a few days, the number of hunters checking through the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks check station at Darby is almost identical to last year at this time - 3,416. That's two less than last year at this time.

The number of mule deer checked through is 20 - the same as last year. There were less white-tailed deer harvested - 45 so far versus 63 last year.

The biggest change from last year is the elk harvest. So far this year 146 elk have been checked through the station, which is 25 more than a year ago.

By the way, the snow depth in the high country is quite different from last year, too.

Two inches of snow was reported on Saddle Mountain last year at this time. This year it's 25 inches, and Lost trail Powder Mountain had Chair Two open this past weekend with "pre-season" conditions on the hill. Enjoy!