The 2010 fall hunting seasons are about to begin or have already begun, such as the early antelope archery season which opened on August 15 th , followed by the September 1st opener for sharp tailed grouse, Hungarian partridge, sage grouse, morning doves and fall turkey and general archery September 4 th .

According to John Ensign, Region 7 wildlife program manager, “Last winter was long and difficult for young and old antelope. Overwinter survival and recruitment has been poor. This year’s fawn production is the poorest in the previous ten years.

Our survey information shows the antelope population in Region 7 to be 37% below the long term average.”

Bernie Hildebrand, wildlife biologist said, “The upland game birds generally had fair nesting and brood rearing conditions.” It appears population levels vary widely throughout the region. The country north of Miles City probably supports higher native grouse population densities than the rest of the region.

Howard Burt, wildlife biologist said, “Throughout the region we have good white-tailed deer populations. Those populations are above the long-term average. The antelope populations are way below the long-term average.”
For more details on the outlook for individual big game species, waterfowl and upland birds log on to the MT FWP website at fwp.mt.gov