Outfitters/Guides Disappointed in Lack of Action to Increase Public Access and Elk Hunting in Hunting District 313

In a Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Commission meeting held on December 20, the Commission chose not to reinstate the full 5-week general rifle season in HD 313.

“Today’s inaction to increase public access and elk hunting near Gardiner means the public land hunter loses another season of extended opportunity in HD 313,” said Mac Minard, Executive Director, Montana Outfitters, and Guides. “Not only will this prime public land be unavailable to hunters, but adjacent districts will continue to be overcrowded. Reinstatement of the normal five-week general season would have increased public access, limited crowding, and help the economy of Gardiner and the businesses hard hit by the 2022 floods.”

BACKGROUND: On December 10, 2015, a prior Commission eliminated two weeks of the general rifle elk season in HD 313. Today’s Commission considered adjustments to the 2022 Big Game Regulations for the 2023 Season.

MOGA supported the reinstatement of the 5-week general elk rifle season in HD 313 due to:

• HD 313 is almost entirely public and affords a significant opportunity to hunt bull elk on public land – something that is in very high demand across the state.

• Elk abundance in HD 313 has increased and now exceeds management objectives.

• Bull/cow ratios are healthy and in alignment with many other similar districts.

• The current season structure is responsible for crowding in other adjacent districts because HD 313 closes two weeks earlier.

• Reinstatement of the normal five-week general season will substantially help the economy of Gardiner and the businesses hard hit by the 2022 flooding events.

• The Commission recently REDUCED wolf quotas in HD 313, signaling that elk herds are healthy.