By the Numbers: Elk Harvest

Montana boasts some of the healthiest elk populations in the country—that’s why so many folks flock here to hunt. Southwest Montana is home to almost 40% of the statewide herd, and it’s no surprise that a high percentage of the yearly harvest is taken right here in our back yard. But who’s taking what? Here’s a closer look at the numbers. 

176,716: Estimated elk population statewide, 2017
71,168: Estimated elk population in Region 3, 2017 

46,850: Region 3 hunters, 2016
38,228: Region 3 resident hunters, 2016
8,622: Region 3 nonresident hunters, 2016 

6%: Overall success rate in Region 3, 2016
5%: Resident success rate in Region 3, 2016
11%: Nonresident success rate in Region 3, 2016

9,903: Total Region 3 elk harvested, 2016
7,612: Region 3 elk harvested by residents, 2016
2,291: Region 3 elk harvested by nonresidents, 2016 

45%: Percentage of elk harvested that were bulls in Region 3, 2016
30%: Percentage of bulls harvested that were taken by nonresidents, 2016
18%: Percentage of hunters in Region 3 that were nonresidents, 2016