First year. 



I have a good opportunity to see animals and "hunt" - not 

 necessarily take an animal. 



The early seaon provides time to hunt the rut. 



Bugling season. 



Adequate opportunities to stalk mature bulls. 



I have not killed any but did get into them. 



I do see elk and have fun trying to get a shot. 



It's very difficult and challenging. Advantage is all with the 

 elk. Doesn't dent the population a bit. 



I live in the perfect spot. There are not too many out of area 

 hunters around here. 



Game isn't spooked during early season and weather is more 

 favorable. 



Yes, except I don't like the sound of guns during the season. 



The season covers the rut. There are plenty of elk. 



I feel western Montana has little or no problems the way the 



season is now. 



Adequate time because of season length. 



It's during rut. 



Lots of elk country to hunt in. 



It allows either sex. 



I believe that a serious hunter can bag his game if they are in 

 the right area. 



There is a good niamber of animals and the only problem is too 

 many archers . 



Just to get to see them. 



The branch antler requirement increased the number of bulls; 

 road closings. 



Not as crowded as rifle season. 



I see lots of game and that matters more than bagging an animal. 



Very abundant populations; season coincides with rut. 



