difference are the general expanse of habitat and lower human population in the east 

 compared to western Montana. 



Secondly, the faster growing, short-lived deer of the prairie tend to produce larger antlers at 

 an earlier age than those in the mountainous regions. A deer with larger antlers in the prairie 

 areas of Montana may be the same age as one with smaller antlers in the mountainous 

 region. 



Thirdly, and probably most important, although different season types can alter the age 

 structure of a deer population, population fluctuations will still continue due to changing 

 environmental conditions and other factors. Therefore, a season established to limit the 

 hunter harvest of bucks to "save" them so they will become older and be harvested at a later 

 date, will not consistently result in older animals. 



Finally, to be successful, deer management must employ a strategy that includes periodic 

 (annual if possible) monitoring of population size and performance. Results of Montana deer 

 research from five separate locations with both whitetails and mule deer found that at 

 population levels acceptable to both landowners and hunters, density-dependence and 

 compensation could not be documented (Mackie et al, 1990). In other words, it was not 

 possible to predict fawn production or yield based upon the size of the deer population. It 

 appears environmental conditions and their variation influence deer population size and age 

 structure before density plays a part. 



Deer Population Monitoring 



To monitor the changes that occur in deer population numbers, characteristics and 

 distribution over time, trend survey routes have been established within the various habitats 

 across the state. Trends in representative populations, their sex and age structure and 

 distribution provides the baseline information needed to establish appropriate license quotas 

 and to direct other habitat and hunter access programs. 



Figure 1 shows the location of the various trend (population & sex/age) surveys within each 

 region of the state. Most of these surveys were established following the low deer 

 populations observed in the late 1960s and early 1970s. 



Deer (both species combined) numbers have steadily increased in Montana since the low 

 recorded in the 1970s. Whitetails have steadily increased in number and distribution 

 throughout the state. They may be at all time highs in many areas west and east of the 

 divide. Mule deer have also increased, particularly in the prairie areas, where they have 

 reached levels comparable to the highs prior to the decline noted in the 70s. However, in 

 several mountainous areas of the state, mule deer numbers appear to be leveling off or 

 slightly declining. A description of the trend in each region of the state follows. 



