Destination: North-central Montana (Region 4)

Due to weather that can best be described as “typical” for the winter of 2023-24, followed by near-average precipitation during the spring and summer months, drought conditions for much of north-central Montana have continued to moderate over the past year. As a result, hunters will find that habitat conditions have improved and biologists report that overall big game numbers remain near long-term average levels. A few hunting districts remain below average for some species, and hunters in those districts will find a corresponding reduction in hunting opportunities.  

Elk 

Elk numbers are stable or slightly increasing over much of the region, leading to an expectation of good opportunities for hunters, especially if weather and hunting conditions are favorable once the season gets underway.  

The well-known Sun River elk herd along the Rocky Mountain Front remains near long-term average, as do elk numbers farther north, as well as those in the Belt and Highwood mountains. But without cold and snowy weather to move the elk out of the remote areas into more accessible habitat, hunting for them can be difficult. Elk distribution on private land is less dependent upon weather conditions to move the elk, but access can be difficult to obtain, so hunters should seek permission early.    

Mule deer 

Although weather conditions have mostly been favorable for mule deer fawn survival and recruitment across the region this year, overall numbers still remain below long-term averages, and hunters will find more restrictive opportunities to hunt antlered bucks along with limited or no opportunity for antlerless hunting in many hunting districts. 

Mule deer numbers in the Missouri Breaks districts in the eastern areas of Region 4 are still significantly lower than long-term averages due to slow recovery from severe droughts and poor winter weather of previous years. Hunters should once again expect to see noticeably fewer deer in these areas this fall. Hunters also need to carefully check regulations while planning their hunts, since some hunting districts are now permit-only for the entire season, while others require a permit for part of the season. Due to low population levels, opportunity for antlerless mule deer harvest is extremely limited or non-existent over most Missouri Breaks districts. 

The western and central districts in Region 4 have seen some small improvements in deer numbers, although they still remain slightly below average in many areas. Highest numbers of mule deer can be found in the agricultural land areas of the central part of the region, where some opportunity still exists for antlerless harvest.  

With chronic wasting disease (CWD) recently detected in new areas of Region 4, hunters are asked to submit their deer for testing at an FWP check station to help monitor and track the spread of the disease. 

White-tailed deer 

White-tailed deer are typically found in the lower-elevation agricultural lands along rivers and streams, so they are less susceptible to severe winter weather and drought conditions that have impacted mule deer numbers in the region. This year, white-tailed deer numbers are considered good across most of the region, with a single-region over-the-counter antlerless B License available and providing good opportunities for hunters across the region. Since much of their habitat is often on private agricultural land, getting landowner permission to hunt well in advance of the season is important for success.  

Pronghorn (Antelope) 

Generally, pronghorn numbers appear to be stable to slightly increasing across much of Region 4 following the mild winter weather conditions of last year. Biologist surveys revealed relatively good fawn numbers in most hunting districts, as well as good buck-to-doe ratios. However, continued drought conditions and past tough winters continue to slow population growth in eastern Region 4, but higher fawn numbers seen this year are an encouraging sign for population recovery in the future.