Destination: South-central Montana (Region 5)

Elk 

This year’s elk counts across Region 5 were stable to slightly higher. The majority of elk are observed on private land where gaining hunting access can be difficult.  

Mule deer 

Overall, hunters may have a more challenging time finding mule deer in south-central Montana this year as populations remain below average.  

In response to these declining mule deer populations in south-central Montana and the presence of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in some hunting districts (HDs), the Fish and Wildlife Commission implemented a few changes to the 2024 regulations for mule deer.  

For the 2024 hunting season, only antlered buck mule deer may be harvested with a general deer license in HDs 502, 515, 555 and 590. Youth hunters aged 10 to 15 can still harvest either sex mule deer in hunting districts 502 and 555.  

In HD 535, only white-tailed deer may be harvested with a general deer license. The quota for the 535-50 deer permit—the only deer permit for Region 5 –was reduced from 850 to 500.  

White-tailed deer 

White-tailed deer numbers will vary a bit across the region, with higher counts in the northern and central parts of the region.  

Pronghorn (Antelope) 

Generally, pronghorn numbers are stable to slightly increasing across Region 5. Biologists observed relatively good fawn numbers during July survey flights. Most hunting districts in the region had between 40 and 70 fawns per 100 does.  

For the 2024 season, Antelope B Licenses were added for antelope HD 546. Due to a population increase, these 546-30 licenses, which are for does and fawns with a quota of 100 and a quota range of 50-600, were added back after two years without the licenses.  

Note on check stations and CWD 

FWP will have hunter check stations in Big Timber, Lavina, Columbus and Billings during the general season. During the opening weekend of antelope season there will be check stations in Billings, Columbus and Broadview. Hunters must stop at check stations regardless of success in the field. Information gathered at these check stations is integral to wildlife management. Biological check stations will operate on weekends throughout the hunting season.   

Biologists in south-central Montana encourage hunters to get their harvested deer, elk and moose tested for chronic wasting disease. Hunters can submit their own samples from harvested animals or stop at a CWD Sampling Station to have FWP collect the samples. Hunting is the primary tool for monitoring and managing the spread of CWD. Concerns over CWD shouldn’t stop you from enjoying hunting season. Hunters are critical to conservation efforts across the state and protecting our wildlife heritage.