Hunters need to kill 12,000 more elk in Montana, FWP says
By MICHAEL BABCOCK
Tribune Outdoor Editor
As tens of thousands of Montana elk hunters headed for the hills this morning, they probably weren't thinking, "Gee, we have too many elk."
However, that is the case, say the state's game managers, at least according to the Montana Elk Management Plan that Fish, Wildlife & Parks adopted in 2005.
They point to locked gates, a string of mild winters and changing hunter behavior.
"I would agree on all three of those," said Great Falls hunter Dave Bleskin, who has hunted elk for 26 years.
Elk, a symbol of all that is wild and free in Montana, are the ultimate big-game target for many hunters.
"There is a mystique and a passion for the animal and a passion for hunting them that is unequaled in any other state, pure and simple," said Ron Aasheim, head of communication and education for FWP. "'Did you get your elk?' is the question you hear on the street."
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http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071021/NEWS01/710210302/1002
