2011 Deer Hunting Outlook

Montana’s mule deer populations are generally at or below long-term averages across the state, especially in the eastern half of the state where the winter was particularly severe. White-tailed deer numbers are generally better, with good numbers in many locations except for areas in central Montana where deer experienced an outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease late this summer.

FWP surveys show mule deer experienced major population decreases in northeastern Montana in FWP Region 6, especially in hunting districts 611, 630, 652, and 670. In those districts, antlerless mule deer “B” licenses were reduced by more than 90 percent below last year’s levels in some cases. In southeastern Montana around the Miles City area, mule deer populations are below the long-term average, though white-tailed deer populations are above the long-term average.

“If the weather cooperates this fall, deer hunters overall will likely experience average hunting conditions at best,” Kujala said. “The dips in deer numbers experienced in some areas due to weather-related winter losses and reduced fawn production will take some time to climb out of.”

For more on deer hunting, please check the 2011 deer, elk and antelope hunting regulations available on the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov.

Here is a regional look at Montana’s deer populations:

FWP Region 7—Southeastern Montana near Miles City

Mule deer populations are below the long-term average and white-tailed deer populations are above the long-term average.

Miles City and the surrounding area saw a severe, prolonged winter that reduced mule deer numbers and recruitment. Overall the mule deer population across the region is 12 percent below the long-term average. Recent recruitment levels, a measure of animals that survive the first year of life, averaged 41 fawns per 100 adults down from typical averages of 60 fawns per 100 adults.