Open Season

Last Saturday, October 21, the 2023 big game rifle season finally opened after a long period of anticipation. Additionally, Montana’s special designated youth hunt days were on Thursday, October 19 through Friday, October 20. This allowed for the next generation of hunters to experience the sport prior to the rest of the state’s ventures looking for game. In response to the opening of the popular season, the Meagher County Sheriff’s Office released a statement on their Facebook Page (Meagher County Sheriff’s Office) for locals and visitors of the Meagher Region. The local office stated the tips in hopes of promoting a safe and pleasant weekend and season overall. The Sheriff’s office explicated within their advice that all hunters and participants treat the owner’s of potential hunting land with respect. Often, during hunting season, hunters may request permission to hunt on a given person’s land. In the event that an owner is to deny access, the local police stated that they are not required to justify their judgement to hunters. Disregard of a land owner’s denial of access is trespassing and will be treated as such. The Meagher County Sheriff’s Office also highly advised for all hunters to make ethical shots. The office also acknowledged that while they have a great local search and rescue organization, that they would rather not have to utilize them for situations that are preventable. With this in mind, all hunters should inform a friend, family member, or some other person of their whereabouts and approximate time of return before taking off to hunt in the vast rural area. The Meagher County Sheriff’s Office also gave advice pertaining to the idea of not knowing what to do in a specific shooting situation. In this case, the question of “What would you do if the Warden was standing behind you?” should be posed. Lastly, the Meagher County Sheriff’s Office encouraged all hunters and participants to be considerate of others, as all are likely working toward the same goal. The general hunting season for deer and elk will be open from now until Sunday, November 26. Until this time, hunters may enjoy the sport for recreation, meat purposes, and family tradition experiences. Meagher County falls under Region 4 of the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks sectors. Meagher County is regularly overseen by a Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Game Warden. All hunters are advised to be well informed of rules and regulations before participating in the popular pass time. The breaking of laws in relation to the sport may result in intervention from federal forces with penalties of heavy fines or jail time.