FWP HUNTING FORECAST

By MT FWP 

Conditions in much of southeast Montana are considerably better than previous years at this time, when the landscape was severely impacted by drought. Much of the region received ample spring and early summer rainfall this year, which improved conditions. With summer and early fall heat having hit the area, there is increased fire danger as grass dries out. Several moderate-sized and large wildfires have occurred in the southern portion of the region.

Elk

The two core elk populations in the region remain in hunting district (HD) 700 and Southeastern Montana Elk Management Units (HDs 702, 704, 705). Outside of these areas, elk numbers are generally low, but numbers have been increasing at a moderate rate, accompanied by a gradual expansion of elk into previously unoccupied habitat. 

Elk hunters should get familiar with the regulations as they vary across HDs within the region.

Mule deer

Mule deer densities improved by 20 percent from 2023 but are still approximately 40 percent below the long-term average. During spring and summer 2023 moisture conditions improved the habitat within the region and the quantity and quality of forage available to deer. A mild winter helped deer come into this spring in healthy body condition.

In response to population declines, biologists in southeast Montana began reducing antlerless licenses starting in 2021 and have reduced antlerless license quotas by 91 percent since then. The 1,000 B Licenses were awarded during the drawing with none are available through the surplus list. Hunters will be unable to purchase additional antlerless mule deer licenses during the general rifle season this fall.

Additionally, the Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted regulations in Regions 6 and 7 that dictate antlerless mule deer may only be harvested on private land in each region. Hunters should familiarize themselves with regulations prior to hunting.

While, as a whole, mule deer numbers are down this year in Region 7, some areas are seeing strong numbers. West-central and northeastern portions of the region may have better concentrations, whereas the southern third (which experienced severe drought in 2020 as well) and northwestern portion of the region were hit hardest.

White-tailed deer 

White-tailed deer numbers remain variable depending on the area of the region. Drought in recent years led to epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) outbreaks in many parts of the region. Most southeastern Montana counties experienced localized die-offs. The Yellowstone River corridor in southern Richland County experienced a more widespread outbreak, but nevertheless white-tailed deer numbers remain good through much of the area. Northern Carter and southern Fallon counties were particularly hard hit by EHD in 2021, with a widespread outbreak that resulted in significant mortality. White-tailed deer numbers in this area are expected to take a couple of years to recover. Additionally, EHD impacted white-tailed deer along some stretches of the Powder River.

Region 7 has changed the way antlerless White-tailed Deer Licenses are allocated as part of a statewide effort to simplify hunting regulations. Antlerless White-tailed Deer Licenses will now be allocated similar to antlerless Mule Deer Licenses. Biologists will set quotas on an annual basis; the licenses will first be available through the drawing process (deadline: June 1 each year). Any surplus licenses first will be distributed through the surplus list (the deadline to sign up was July 19, 2024). Any leftover licenses will then be sold over the counter on a first-come, first-served basis starting Aug. 12. As of Aug. 20, more than 3,000 were still available for purchase.

Pronghorn (Antelope)

Pronghorn populations in southeast Montana are similar to 2023 numbers and are 10 percent above the 10-year average. Numbers are strongest in the southeastern part of the region.

This year Region 7 is split with licenses valid in the northern portion of the region and licenses valid in the southern portion. The 007-21 either-sex license and the 007-31 doe/fawn license are valid in the northern portion of Region 7 while the 007-20 and the 007-30 licenses are valid in the southern portion of the region using the Yellowstone River as the boundary between the two.

The second opportunity 705-30 doe/fawn license is now valid only in hunting district 705, due to strong populations across that area. This license was sold on a first-come, first-served basis, one per hunter, and is only available to those who hold a valid 007-20 antelope license.

Upland game birds

The area received decent amounts of rain with amounts varying depending on the location. Grass and forb growth was fair to good, which made for good nesting and brood-rearing conditions. Many areas were inundated with grasshoppers once again, which provide an excellent food source for upland birds but can have a negative impact on available cover.

Good habitat conditions and a productive nesting season will have birds spread out on the landscape. With the conditions being so good, birds will be able to make a go of it just about anywhere and will not necessarily be in the typical places that hunters would find them on a “normal” year.

Upland birds will primarily forage on grasshoppers until they are no longer available. Hunters should be reminded to be respectful of standing crops and livestock while out chasing upland birds and also to be aware of where they are parking their vehicles, so they do not block roadways or field entrances.