Republican Senator Conrad Burns conceded defeat in the key US Senate race in Montana on Thursday, after an 18-year reign in the western state.
Burns's defeat had been widely reported by US media, and Democratic rival Jon Tester had declared victory on Wednesday after a nail-biting election battle.
Burns, whose critics claimed he had lost touch with voters, congratulated Tester -- and then announced plans for a hunting trip.
"I want to congratulate Jon Tester on winning this race," Burns said in a statement released by his campaign team.
"I stand ready to help as Montana transitions to a new United States senator. We fought the good fight and we came up just a bit short. We've had a good 18 years, and I am proud of my record.
"Now, I hope there is still a good-sized buck out there, because I am going hunting," he said.