FWP Region 6 2018 Elk Surveys Completed

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks biologists have completed the 2018surveys of the Missouri River Breaks (MRB) and Bears Paw elk herds in Region 6. The aerial surveys were completed in February and March by Region 6 biologists Brett Dorak, Scott Hemmer and Drew Henry. Overall, survey results found elk numbers in the Missouri River Breaks were down from the last survey, while elk numbers in the Bears Paw herd were up from last year. Elk calf numbers in both herds were near average during the surveys, indicating typical winter mortality.

“Both management units are doing well,” said Havre-area biologist Scott Hemmer. “Fortunately, elk appear to have weathered the severe weather conditions we had this last summer and winter.”

Missouri River Breaks (MRB) Elk

The MRB elk survey across Hunting Districts (HD) 621, 622, 631, and 632, was completed in February and is done biennially. Neighboring Breaks districts are typically flown concurrently to limit the potential for elk to be missed or double counted due to movements between districts.

A total of 2,294 elk were observed across the four districts, with 1,662 in HDs 621/622, and 632 in HDs 631/632. The total number of elk observed was 33% fewer than the 2016 survey and 20% below the long-term average, with above average calf-cow and bull-cow ratios.

The management objective for the MRB districts is 1700-2000 elk. Due toelk numbers being chronically over objective, FWP implemented changes during the 2016 season for additional elk hunting opportunities, including 300 antlerlesselk permits and 500 antlerless elk B “shoulder season” licenses (apply by June 1). These opportunities have continued, and starting this season, the shoulder season dates have been extended from Dec. 15-Jan. 15. The additional antlerless elkhunting opportunities were designed with the help of the Breaks Elk Working Group to provide private landowners with more elk management options.

Bears Paw Elk

The Bears Paw elk survey, completed in March, is flown annually and includes HDs 680 and 690. There were a total of 647 elk observed, which is up 24% from last year and is currently 67% above the long-term average. Calf-cow ratios were average and bull-cow ratios were below the long-term average.

The management objective for the Bears Paw is 250 elk. With elk numbers over objective in the Bears Paw districts, FWP implemented similar opportunities as in the Breaks districts in 2016, including 100 antlerless elk permits and 100 antlerless elk B “shoulder season” licenses (apply by June 1). Again, these opportunities have continued and, starting this season, the shoulder season elk B licenses will be valid from Dec. 15-Jan. 15.

With elk numbers above the population objectives across the Region 6 elkmanagement units, hunters should look into additional elk hunting opportunities available through the drawing. It is also a good reminder to secure permission on private lands early to make the most of the 2018 hunting season.