MT deer #'s??

[michsteelguy]

First off.....new member here and 1st post, so hello to all!! I look forward to getting educated here about Western Hunting, as I've spent my whole life (frustrated) in the highly pressured woods of Michigan.
I finally realized I need to expand my horizons and travel out of state to become a more rounded hunter and in 2012 I had my first experience in Montana....(mostly plains). A mule deer hunt that was one of the BEST trips of my life...and I wasn't even successful! My hunting partner has a friend that lives there so that helps not going in blind. Back then, he informed us that EHD has really decimated the deer population. I was curious to know if deer numbers are on the rise, bad, or worse (in general)... as I know it will vary by unit? Just wondering what to expect for this year. Thanks guys, and I look forward to talking with you all!!!!

 

[JohnCushman]

Welcome aboard! I don't have any info on MT, but there a lot of units in Colorado you can draw with only a point or two, and some with 0 for archery and muzzleloader.

 

[michsteelguy]

Welcome aboard! I don't have any info on MT, but there a lot of units in Colorado you can draw with only a point or two, and some with 0 for archery and muzzleloader.

I did get my 1st point for deer, and 1 for elk this year... so Colorado is definitely on my radar! I gotta do more research as to what unit is the best for me, but at least i started the process. Thanks!

 

[HalfAce]

It's a big state, deer numbers and fluctuations are different in different areas.

Certain areas of Eastern MT has had pretty poor deer hunting the last few years, especially when you compare it to the hunting that was available in 2008 and earlier.

Just from my experience, the 2012 season started to show promise as I noticed slightly more does and bucks. I thought 2013 would be even better than 2012. But it wasn't. The number of deer I saw took a step back. But there are still deer out there, with a few bucks. Help the deer out a little while your out there, and shoot every coyote you see! Pack extra ammo, there is a lot of them.

 

[MTpubliclander]

What kind of bucks size wise are you lookin for? And what basic area?

 

[michsteelguy]

It's a big state, deer numbers and fluctuations are different in different areas.

Certain areas of Eastern MT has had pretty poor deer hunting the last few years, especially when you compare it to the hunting that was available in 2008 and earlier.

Just from my experience, the 2012 season started to show promise as I noticed slightly more does and bucks. I thought 2013 would be even better than 2012. But it wasn't. The number of deer I saw took a step back. But there are still deer out there, with a few bucks. Help the deer out a little while your out there, and shoot every coyote you see! Pack extra ammo, there is a lot of them.

Thanks for the info. Yeah.... coyotes are definitely a problem and hopefully we can help take 1-2 out. Whatever the #'s are, theres nothing I can do about that, so I am just glad to be getting out there for another awesome trip, and learning all I can.

 

[michsteelguy]

What kind of bucks size wise are you lookin for? And what basic area?

Central Montana..... at least thats where we are going to start, and play it by ear. Size wise..... who knows (muley 4x4 w/some mass) I suppose- but thats probably everyones answer as a minimum. My goal is to enjoy the hunt whether I'm successful or not. Whitetails are also an option, but not 1st choice. I know they got slammed hard.

 

[twodot]

I live in the breaks region and would have to say that I have never been in an area with less deer than what we presently have. I spent the last three days camped in the CMR and saw exactly three mulies, one doe and twin two pointers. Down along the river at my house we have a few doe fawn units in the alfalfa fields, but where you would see 40 five years ago you may see 4 or five. That said, as I go away from the Mussellshell or Missouri, I see more of the normal numbers of mule deer but very few whitetails.
If I were traveling instate to deer hunt the central region, I would hit the Snowies or Little Belts. I have seen many many more deer over there this past year.

 

[michsteelguy]

I live in the breaks region and would have to say that I have never been in an area with less deer than what we presently have. I spent the last three days camped in the CMR and saw exactly three mulies, one doe and twin two pointers. Down along the river at my house we have a few doe fawn units in the alfalfa fields, but where you would see 40 five years ago you may see 4 or five. That said, as I go away from the Mussellshell or Missouri, I see more of the normal numbers of mule deer but very few whitetails.
If I were traveling instate to deer hunt the central region, I would hit the Snowies or Little Belts. I have seen many many more deer over there this past year.

Thanks a bunch! Info I was hoping to get, as we will be just southwest of the breaks. My friends buddy (for who we are going to hunt with.... come November) is the FedEx driver for that area, so he sees alot; I just dont get to talk to him much. Thanks!