measurements did not differ significantly from those recorded at taxidermists, they were 

 larger than those recorded from the Havre Check Station where the main beam spread and 

 length for over 2100 mule deer bucks was 13 and 14 inches respectively. It is important to 

 note that the Havre check station information included all age classes while the HD 650 

 information was taken from bucks which were primarily 3-5 years of age. Annual 

 variations in antler measurements were noted within age groups as well as between years. 

 Antler growth peaked once deer reached four years of age. Based upon data gathered from 

 hunter killed deer held by taxidermists and those inspected in the field, deer taken in HD 650 

 were no older or larger than some of the deer taken in other areas of Region 6. 



Competition for the 200 permits steadily increased and then leveled off the last two years 

 (151 applicants in 1987 and 1188 in 1994). Local residents from Region 6 draw 

 approximately 50% of the permits. 



HD441: 



Background: HD 441 lies along the east face of the Rocky Mountains in Teton and Pondera 

 Counties. Winter range for mule deer lies primarily on private lands along the narrow 

 foothill zone immediately east of the Front Range. Traditionally, buck deer were readily 

 available to hunters only if early migrations occurred out of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, 

 perhaps in three out of ten years. In 1984, due to early winter weather, mule deer were 

 present in large numbers on the winter range, creating an ideal situation for a significant 

 harvest. Complaints from sportspersons and landowners prompted the department to initiate a 

 change in harvest strategies. After a three year period of varying strategies, the season type 

 became a three week antlered buck followed by permit only buck hunting for two weeks. 

 The permit only time period coincided with the beginning of the rut and when weather 

 conditions generally force deer to the private land winter ranges. 



Results: Variations in numbers of deer seen on post-season surveys were directly correlated 

 with weather conditions, which not only affect deer migration but also influence 

 observability. Actual numbers observed varied from an average of 1,823 from 1979 - 1986 to 

 an average of 2,400 from 1987 - 1995. 



The number of post-season bucks/ 100 does rose from a low below 10 in 1986 to a high 

 above 40 in 1992. Since 1992, the number has declined with fewer than 20 bucks/ 100 does 

 recorded in 1995. The total number of deer observed also declined the last two years. Fawn 

 production has remained fairly stable with a minor drop during 1991-92, just before the drop 

 in total deer was observed. 



Total numbers of bucks harvested as well as those bucks older than yearlings increased 

 significantly through 1992. Since that time the harvest has declined along with the post- 

 season buck/doe ratios. 



Comparisons with adjacent HD442, where hunting of antlered bucks is not restricted by 

 permit, revealed that limiting oppormnity for buck hunting during the rut on winter range in 



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