State wildlife officials tell Gov. Steve Bullock that a special late-season hunt to reduce overpopulations of elk on private land in central Montana is working.

The Fish and Wildlife Commission had approved the shoulder season, on a pilot basis, for five hunting districts.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials told Bullock on Friday in White Sulphur Springs that it's been a big success for landowners, hunters and the local economy.

They say hunters have pushed big herds of congregating elk hanging out on private property on the valley floor onto nearby public land.

The pilot shoulder season began Nov. 30 and ends Feb. 15.

Landowner Bill Galt says he's happy with the extra hunting because elk had been feasting on his ranch's grass.

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