Results: Following initiation of the buck permit season, the post hunting season buck/doe 

 ratio increased significantly and remained higher than other prairie areas in southcentral 

 Montana (region 5). Since 1987, the mean for prairie areas was 13 bucks/100 does post- 

 season while that for HD530 was 28. The age structure of mule deer bucks in HD530 also 

 changed over the eight years since the permit season was established. Ninety-three percent of 

 all hunter killed bucks from prairie areas in Region 5 other than HD530, were 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 

 years old. In HD530 only 71% of bucks were 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 years old. During this same 

 period, the general age structure of all prairie areas did improve (e.g. prior to 1987 67% of 

 the bucks aged were 1.5, compared to 56% after 1987), but not to the extent of that recorded 

 in HD530. 



The number of hunters hunting in HD530 has declined 1.8% below that level observed prior 

 to implementing the permit only season. It is estimated that 2208 less total hunters over six 

 years or 368 less hunters per year are now hunting in HD530 than would be under the 

 standard either-sex season. Since total hunter numbers statewide have not decreased, these 

 hunters more than likely have shifted to other areas increasing hunting pressure in those 

 districts. This translates into an even greater loss in hunter days (7,191 days for the six 

 years, 1988 - 1993). 



Although the season type reduced hunter opportunity, it only slightly reduced the deer 

 harvest over the six years; approximately 793 less deer than would have been harvested 

 under the either-sex season. The decrease in buck harvest and increased age structure has 

 increased the number of 4 points in the harvest from 29% to 57% over the seven year period 

 (1987 -1994). As a comparison, the number of 4 points in the Region 5 harvest increased 

 from 25% to 43% during the same period. 



Illegal harvest continues to be significant in HD530. Reported illegal harvest was 91% of the 

 total buck kill the first year and has declined to 40-41% the last two years. This has occurred 

 despite a concerted effort to sign the area as permit only. 



HD 650: 



Background: A special mule deer buck permit area was initiated during 1987 in a 287 

 square mile portion of HD650 at the request of sportsmen. The intent of the season was to 

 increase the number and size of bucks. An evaluation of this season was made utilizing 

 information gathered from 1990 through 1995. 



Results: The number of bucks observed on post-season surveys has increased since 1991. 

 This has occurred during a period when buck numbers in other survey locations have 

 remained the same or declined. Post-season buck/doe ratios have increased from 21 in 1991 

 to 113 in 1995. The ratio, however, was greatly influenced by a decrease in the doe segment 

 during the same time. 



Antler measurements of 141 bucks taken by permit holders did not increase during the 1990 - 

 1994 period (both main beam length and inside spread averaged 20 inches). Although these 



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