Hunting Season Has Begun

Camryn Clark, Reporter

As the weather becomes colder, it is time to hang up the archery equipment and get out the rifle. Big game rifle season starts a week after archery season ends. This is typically the end of October. The season runs until the weekend after Thanksgiving.

Many of the same rules that apply to archery season likewise apply to rifle season. Preparation and knowledge of the land are very important. One of the main differences, though is that hunters are required to wear orange.

Rifle season is an exciting time for hunters because they are able to experience the mule deer and whitetail rut. The term “rut” refers to the time when the male animals attempt to mate with females. Rifle hunting in the rut is not typical in most states.  Montana is one of the few states that allows this. The elk rut is over by the time rifle season begins.

For many years, the opening day of rifle season has been treated as a holiday.  This is a time when family and friends get together to enjoy the great outdoors.