Was wondering if the local MT folks have a better understanding of what I saw on the FWP website today. I typically try to hunt central MT(411, 511. 530) on the general elk/deer combo. I see that they have a proposed shoulder season for next year running from 8/15/16 into Feb of 17. I have some concerns about the shoulder season in itself, but one of the questions I have is this... are hunters participating in the shoulder season going to be able to use firearms prior to archery season? The elk I have been around in this area, high tail it high into the National Forest,or go lounge around on a private ranch where they know they are safe soon after the first sound of a rifle. Very concerned about how this could impact archery hunting. Just wondering if I am misunderstanding something here as I will admit that I haven't had the opportunity to read all of the shoulder season posts yet. The below came from the FWP website.
HD 411: Establish Shoulder Season General license valid 8/15-2/15 but not valid on National Forest lands
Make 411-00 B License (quota 400, range 100-600) valid in HDs 411, 511, & 530.
004-00 B Licenses valid 8/15-2/15. Not valid on National Forest lands or FWP WMAs
HD 411: Establish Shoulder Season General license valid 8/15-2/15 but not valid on National Forest lands
Make 411-00 B License (quota 400, range 100-600) valid in HDs 411, 511, & 530.
004-00 B Licenses valid 8/15-2/15. Not valid on National Forest lands or FWP WMAs