Members of the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission approved the establishment of a third elk shoulder season. It is scheduled to begin in August and continue through February of 2019.
The goal of the shoulder seasons is to reduce elk populations to desired objective levels while also offering additional opportunities for the public to hunt. However, hunters are split on whether shoulder seasons are a good idea.
“As a meat hunter, I appreciate the opportunity to be out there,” Brian McCullough, told the Montana Standard.
“It’s a valued resource,” said Ward Olson. “It should be treated as such.”
According to the Montana Standard, Olson offered a warning by saying such seasons could “jeopardize future herds.”
The early shoulder seasons begin on August 15.
(Photo Source: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks)