2014 Deer Hunting Outlook

Mule deer numbers have experienced recent declines in many areas of Montana but should be improving with favorable weather and habitat conditions in 2014.

Recent seasonal insect-related disease outbreaks have reduced white-tailed deer populations in parts of eastern, central and west-central Montana. Other areas have stable populations with favorable weather and habitat conditions in 2014 enhancing recruitment levels across the state.

Bottom line, deer hunters in Montana will find improving populations but a mix of hunting opportunities when the general season opens Oct. 25.

Even if you didn’t draw a special permit this year, remember Montana offers numerous opportunities to hunt for deer with just a general hunting license.

For more information on Montana’s five-week long general deer hunting season, visit FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov, click “Hunting” then click Hunting Guide.

Here’s a regional rundown on what deer hunters can expect this season.

Region 6—Northeastern Montana

Effects on deer from recent hard winters are still being seen but mule deer and white-tailed deer numbers are rebounding in most areas.

Region 7—Southeastern Montana

Mule deer numbers are eight percent below the long term average compared to 32 percent below long term average last year. Overwinter survival last year was high, and fawn recruitment this spring—up to 61 yearlings per 100 adults—increased relative to the previous two years. Hunters may have better opportunity in the southern portion of the region.

White-tailed deer populations are currently nine percent below the long term average. Whitetail populations are variable throughout the region at the present time. Where disease did not occur, high densities of whitetail are present. In nearby areas that experienced disease outbreaks in the past two years, numbers may be low. Forage and precipitation levels have been exceptional so far in 2014. White-tailed deer can recover rapidly from declines, and it appears this process has already begun. Wildlife biologists tallied an average of 61 yearlings per 100 adults in 2014 trend surveys. Hunters who do their homework by scouting and visiting with private landowners should have success locating good areas to hunt whitetails.