Montana approves shoulder season elk hunts

HUNTING  — Despite reservations about disturbing big game on winter ranges, Montana is taking a bold step from protocol in an effort to balance elk numbers with landowner tolerance.

Montana wildlife board OKs shoulder season elk hunts
After a popular pilot project that killed more than 350 in the White Sulphur region after the general hunting seasons, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission approved shoulder season hunts in 43 of the state’s hunting districts to reduce elk populations.

“As distasteful as I find it, I’m willing to support it,” said Commission Chairman Dan Vermillion . “I find no joy but only sadness that we have to be hunting elk into February.”
— Helena Independent Record