Montana Reports High Hunter Traffic During Opener

State check stations saw an increase in activity during the opening weekend of the 2026 big game season.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Hunting

Montana Reports High Hunter Traffic During Opener

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Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks hunter check stations recorded above-average participation during the opening weekend of the 2026 big game season. A total of 2,625 hunters were processed across four key stations in Anaconda, Bonner, Darby, and Fish Creek.

Why it matters

The high volume of check station visits provides a snapshot of hunting activity and harvest success rates across the state. This monitoring is essential for wildlife management and tracking seasonal trends in hunter participation.

Official records show the four stations processed 98 elk, 29 mule deer, and 93 white-tailed deer during the opening weekend. The Bonner check station alone surpassed its five-year average of 820 stops by logging 930 hunter encounters.

The players

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

This is the state government agency responsible for managing Montana's outdoor recreational opportunities and protecting the state's wildlife resources.

The details

Hunters stopped at these stations to have their harvest processed and recorded by state officials. Data collection at these specific locations helps officials maintain a detailed account of seasonal hunting success and population management metrics.

October 24-25, 2026, marked the opening weekend of the big game season.
During the 2025 season opener, the stations processed 2,549 hunters.
The five-year average for stops at the Bonner station is 820.

Culture Shift

This year's hunter participation marks a departure from historical norms by exceeding the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks five-year average for hunter stops. This data reflects ongoing trends in recreational engagement and wildlife management across the state.

Hunters planning to head into the field should expect continued use of official check stations throughout the season for harvest registration. Participants should keep their licenses and harvest information ready to facilitate quick processing at designated state checkpoints.

The takeaway

The increase in hunter stops suggests high engagement in the 2026 season for Montana outdoor enthusiasts. Hunters should ensure they understand all reporting requirements at official checkpoints to help maintain accurate state wildlife data.