1st I believe there is a decline in mule deer bucks in the areas 

 & hunted this year. Elk numbers seem to be down also this year. 

 I personally believe Montana should have a separate season for 

 blackpowder hunters - possibly before gun season or after - To 

 make it more challengeing, only flintlock and iron sights be 

 permitted - so as not to alarm or cause a furor among rifle 

 hunters . 



We need to get some trophy animals. 

 They are not maturing. 



I have been hunting in dist 380 for 10 years and feel that I have 

 seen the quality of Elk numbers and trophy animal increase in 

 that time. However I do not understand the goals of the elk 

 management study in that area. I hope to see the continue & 

 management of 380 for trophy bulls; by permit only, but this 

 should not apply to Archery hunters - Because of the permit only 

 status for branch antlered bulls in 380, I greatly reduced the 

 time and money spent Archery hunting this year. 



We need to increase the number of trophy class bull elk. 



I would like to see the fish & game be able to shut down any 

 season except in back country in a 12 hr notice so we have no 

 more slaughters on our precious game population on unusually hard 

 winter on bulls. Also I would like to see them manage for some 

 trophys . I would also like to see a archery season for rutting 

 white tails. 



There is not enough deer out there to hunt. I might as well not 

 buy a tag, If I don't see any deer. 



In general I am pleased with the proposals to increase the elk 

 population for 101. I wish that the proposals included 100 as 

 well but am happy with the steps taken this far. I hope that 

 district 1 becomes bulls only with cow permits 



The elk in our area are difficult to find, for me. I have only 

 had one shot at an elk this last season since 1982. 



Both sexes should be hunted to keep pressure off killing just 

 bulls. 



I feel that if you increased the number of tags for cow elk 

 during rifle season you would relieve some of the pressure on the 

 bulls and we would see some bigger trophys bulls in the woods 

 over the next few years. Concerned Elk hunter 



I have lived in Western Mont. all my life and noticed a 

 significant drop in game populations during the 1960 's, a 

 leveling in the 70 's and increase in the 80 's. Bowhunting in 



