MT, Fish, Wildlife and Parks commission has approved an archery only special anterless mule deer hunt in and adjacent to the town of Colstrip, MT. Hunters must possess a 2006 conservation license, a special anterless mule deer license, an anterless mule deer “B” license or a deer “A” license. Two hundred (200) special anterless mule deer licenses will be sold on a first come, first serve basis through FWP’s automated license system (ALS) beginning Friday, December 1, 2006. Archers may purchase the special license over the internet on the FWP website or through a local FWP license agent.   Individuals may purchase up to 5 of the special anterless mule deer licenses.

Those who purchase licenses on the internet are reminded that it may take up to 10 business days to receive their licenses in the mail and to plan accordingly.

Archers holding a current mule deer “B” and/or deer “A” license may participate in the hunt. Hunters with a deer “A” license may be used for either sex mule deer during the special hunt.

Hunters must gain landowner permission to hunt on private or corporate owned land. Hunters must obtain permission for PPL property and Colstrip Parks & Recreation property from PPL Security (406-748-5022 or 748-5023). Hunters will be required to sign-in through the security guard shack off of Willow Street. Permission for Western Energy properties can be obtained through the Western Energy Security (406-748-5100, 748-5190 or 748-5156). Hunters must sign-in at the security guard shack off of Castle Rock Road.

The hunt will begin December 1 and continue through December 31, 2006. Since the hunt dates are after the close of the general big game rifle season, hunters are not required to wear hunter orange during this special archery only anterless mule deer hunt. The objective of the special management hunt is to reduce the local mule deer population in and around the town of Colstrip, MT.