Coordinated Elk Hunts have been held in cooperation with the Montana FWP during the 2022,2023, and 2024 general open rifle season. The program’s purpose is to provide access to local hunters and those across the state to private agricultural land near the headquarters of Matador Ranch & Cattle.

MR&C works with FWP biologists to reduce and control overpopulation of elk in the area through controlled hunting access. The elk hunt has been an opportunity for young and old hunters to harvest elk and provide meat for their families.In 2022, 410 elk were harvested, and over 65,000 pounds of meat went into freezers across the state. The mild winters and abundant feed in 2023 and 2024kept more elk up in their traditional grazing habitat and provided fewer harvest opportunities.

The FWP biologist affiliated with the hunt noted that the elk are maintaining smaller herd sizes, are more dispersed, and are moving back toward their historic grazing areas, which are all positive outcomes. MR&C and FWP plan to continue monitoring herd numbers and behavior to determine if there is a continued need for the program. Interested hunters should check with MRC and Montana FWP during late summer for updates.