(Helena) – Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks is setting up to research the decline in mule deer populations in Montana, in response to hunter concern. Hunters are encourage to engage with FWP during this research.
Over the past winter, FWP sent out 5000 surveys to Montana hunters that was similar to a 2011 survey, and received much the same response in the past. Respondents were overall favorable to current management practices. Support was shown for length of season, timing of hunting, and mule deer opportunity.
The survey also showed some hunters are seeking changes. Nearly 40% indicated they would prefer the opportunity to hunt mule deer bucks once every several years, increasing the chance of bagging a mature buck.
FWP is also projecting to begin population modelling to include increased radio collaring and habitat research.
Currently, FWP attributes winterkill, short term change to habitat, predation among the contributors to the mule deer population decline.
