After years of declining deer numbers across Montana, there is finally some good news for hunters. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is reporting encouraging statistics on the state deer population for the upcoming season.
Recent disease outbreaks have taken a toll on whitetailed deer numbers in parts of eastern central and west-central Montana. Yet, favorable weather and habitat conditions in 2014 have stabilized populations in other regions and enhanced recruitment levels across the state. As a result, deer hunters in Montana can expect healthier populations and a mix of hunting opportunities when the general season begins on October 25.
Here’s a look at what deer hunters can expect in Montana:
Region 1: Northwestern Montana
In the majority of the region, fawn recruitment for whitetailed deer looks strong
Hunters can expect an increase in whitetailed bucks and bucks in the 3-year-old age bracket
Though mule deer populations remain low, experts believe they are beginning a slow recovery
Region 2: Western Montana
Whitetailed deer numbers are stable to increasing across the region
Mule deer numbers remain low
Hunting for mule deer bucks is by permit only in most districts
FWP has instituted restricted hunting opportunities for antlerless deer to help boost population increases on both species
Region 3: Southwestern Montana
Mule deer numbers are increasing in districts 311, 312, 360, 362, and in the Gallatin and Madison areas
Mule deer numbers are also slightly up throughout Park County
Townshend and Dillion area muley numbers are down
Whitetailed deer numbers are fair to good
Region 4: Central Montana
Mule deer numbers have stabilized, but are still below long-term averages
Despite recent disease outbreaks, whitetailed deer numbers continue to increase
Region 5: South-central Montana
Mule deer numbers have stabilized or slightly increase since last year, but still remain 30 to 40% below long-term averages
Mule deer harvest is expected to be similar to last year
Whitetailed numbers remain low at lower elevations and in areas north of the Yellowstone River
Whitetailed numbers are stronger closer to the mountains
Whitetailed buck harvest is expected to be similar to last year, yet antlerless harvest will be less due to substantial reductions in B tag numbers
Region 6: Northeastern Montana
Harsh winters have had a lasting impact on deer, but both mule deer and whitetailed deer numbers are starting to rebound in most areas
Region 7: Southeastern Montana
Though winter survival last year was strong and fawn recruitment has increased, mule deer numbers are still 8% below long-term averages
Hunters are likely to have more opportunity to harvest a muley in the southern portion of the region
Whitetailed deer populations are variable throughout the region depending on where disease impacted the animals
Whitetailed deer populations are 9% below long-term averages
Favorable forage and precipitation levels in 2014 are helping whitetailed deer recover more rapidly
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