HELENA — Rifle season in Montana is just around the corner and many gunsmiths and hunters are busy getting ready.
General antelope season — the first big game for rifle season — starts on October 7. Later in October general elk and deer season will get started.
Inspecting equipment and taking target practice are a couple of ways hunters can prepare for the upcoming season.
"Going to the range and practicing is an important thing. Make sure you fire some rounds, and you are on target," Ed Beall, a partner at Capital Sports says.
With many preparing to hunt big game, gun safety comes first.
"Safety is something we always promote, and I think if you look at hunter education that is where it all starts. Going forward as you get older it is always remembering that you treat every firearm as if it is loaded," says Beall.
Other ways to stay safe include wearing blaze orange for visibility and inspecting the area around the target.
Another important hunting date to note is that on October 17 a youth hunt will happen.
Visit https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt for more information on rifle season start dates for specific game in Montana.
