Region 6 Havre Check Station Results

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Havre hunter check station was active over the weekend of general deer and elk opener (Oct. 26-27). Overall, hunter numbers were lower compared to the last few years, along with the number of deer checked. Upland bird numbers have been slightly above longterm averages. This was the third weekend that the check station has been open, as the station began collecting data Oct. 12-13 for the opening weekend of pheasant and general antelope.

There were 211 hunters in 104 parties checked over the general opener weekend, which was down 45 percent from last year and 13 percent below the long-term average. During the three weekends the check station has been open, overall hunter numbers (686) are 18 percent lower than last year but still 4 percent above the long-term average.

The 24 mule deer checked was 68 percent below the 2023 general opening weekend, and 59 percent below the long-term average. White-tailed deer checked over the weekend (4) was well below both last year and the long-term average. For the year, 36 mule deer have been checked, along with 20 white-tails.

“In addition to reduced antlerless mule deer opportunities, the youth deer hunt this year was the week before the general season and may have contributed to the lower hunter numbers seen over the general opening weekend this year,” said biologist Scott Hemmer, who manages the check station. “Overall, most hunters have reported seeing fewer deer then in recent years,” adds Hemmer.

Number of antelope checked are 13 percent below last year, with 142 antelope brought by the check station since general antelope season opened. Antelope checked are 33 percent below long-term average.

“Even though antelope numbers brought by the check station has been below the average, hunter reports have been more favorable compared to the last few years,” says Hemmer.

There have been 12 elk brought by the check station, which is just above the longterm average, with eight of those elk being checked over the rifle opening weekend.

For the first three weeks that the check station has been open, pheasant numbers (554) are above last year’s numbers and slightly above the long-term average. Sharp-tailed grouse (98 birds) are slightly below last year but still above the longterm average. Similarly, gray (Hungarian) partridge (59) is below last year but still above the long-term average.

“Hunters have had mixed reports of upland bird numbers, but generally, hunters are reporting better numbers of birds on the western end of the region compared to the last few years, and slightly less numbers of birds on the east end of the region,” said Hemmer.

Although relatively few waterfowl typically pass through the check station, numbers were slightly below normal, and all the 38 waterfowl checked were ducks.

Hunters must stop at all game check stations Please remember that all hunters are required by law to stop as directed at all designated check stations on their way to and from hunting, even if they have no game to be checked. There is an option to have animals sampled for CWD if desired. Please follow all directions and signs from FWP staff as they work diligently to check game, answer questions, and get you on your way.

Biologists gather a lot of valuable information and biological data on game animals brought through check stations, and FWP wildlife staff appreciate all hunters’ cooperation in this effort. Note that the harvest data described above includes only animals that were brought through the Havre check station and is only a partial representation of the region-wide harvest.