Snow and cold just before the 2026 rifle opener plus October storms moved animals lower, including Sun River elk onto the Sun River Wildlife Management Area. 235 hunters used Augusta's FWP station, 4% over last year and 10% over the decade average; over 22% took deer or elk vs 18% typically, 22 elk 83% over average, deer 11% over, three pronghorn, a wolf and birds. General seasons end November 29; Augusta Main Street is Region 4's sole biological station, hours half past five to half past nine weekdays and ten p.m. weekends, and hunters must report when passing a station.