House Resolution No. ___, introduced by Representatives J. Hinkle, L. Deming, S. Maness, M. Marler, and J. Seckinger, urges the protection of Montana's traditional November mule deer hunt, particularly the practice of hunting mule deer bucks during the rut. The resolution highlights the importance of this hunting tradition for many Montana families, emphasizing that it has been a long-standing practice that coincides with Thanksgiving gatherings. It also notes that a recent survey conducted by the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks indicated strong public support for maintaining the current timing of the mule deer hunting season and for hunting during the rut.

The resolution calls on the Fish and Wildlife Commission to consider several recommendations, including retaining the November hunting season, minimizing antlerless mule deer harvest in areas with low populations, and implementing restrictions on buck harvests in a way that preserves hunting opportunities across different districts. It emphasizes the need for science-based management practices and suggests that any restrictions should be carefully rotated to ensure that some areas continue to allow rut harvests. The resolution aims to balance the preservation of hunting traditions with effective wildlife management strategies.