Wintry conditions make for challenging general opener in southeast Montana

Cold, wet weather settled into southeast Montana on Saturday and Sunday, making for a challenging opening weekend of the general hunting season.

Traffic was a bit slower than usual at area check stations Sunday, and harvest success rates were down a bit due to winter weather conditions. But for the most part, hunters took the weather in stride and looked forward to more time in the field.

Hysham check station

Even with the cold and wet weather, most of the metrics for the Hysham check station were on pace with previous general season openers, according to wildlife biologist Steve Atwood. Crews...