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DARBY- There are fewer elk harvests coming through the Darby Check station, and Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks says that's intentional.

Regional Wildlife Manager Mike Thompson says predators such as wolves, mountain lions and black bears are diminishing the elk calf populations in the Darby area, so FWP is restricting elk hunting.

Check Station Technician Dan Eacker says there have been fewer hunters in the last week, compared to the beginning of opening season.

He says some hunters who drew the special permit did come back with some big bull elk, but there are quite a few predators for young elk.

"So far, mountain lions have been the most significant predators on calves, certainly wolves and bears have taken their fair share too," says Eacker.

So far, 143 harvested elk have been reported at the Darby check point.