2004 Antelope Hunting Outlook

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This fall promises some very good antelope hunting in most of Montana, though populations east of Malta and north of Glasgow are down by over 40 percent in some places and those antelope herds are more dispersed than usual.

“Antelope hunting will be as good as last year in most portions of the state, with the exception of some heavy winter losses in the far northeast corner,” said Gary Hammond, FWP wildlife management bureau chief.

Hammond said many archery antelope hunters have already been afield with a 900 series license to archery hunt antelope in any hunting district starting with a 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. This new extended season runs Aug. 15-Nov. 7. General antelope archery-only season opened Sept. 4.

While highlighting the increased hunting opportunities, Hammond said that in South Valley, McCone and Phillips counties antelope populations were hard hit by weather. Also, it appeared last winter that more than 1,000 antelope from South Valley County migrated south across the frozen Ft. Peck Reservoir and were not able to return.

Montana’s antelope archery season is Sept. 4-Oct. 9 and the general antelope season is Oct. 10-Nov. 7.   Antelope hunters apply for licenses distributed through a special drawing in August.  

Hammond said that while antelope populations tend to fluctuate fairly widely and are sensitive to weather, the species is very adept at survival. Rebuilding populations lost to winter depends on spring production the next couple of years, the quality of forage and   winter severity.

“In the past 10 years we’ve seen a significant growth in antelope populations in the state,” said Hammond.   “We’re optimistic that we’ll see some healthy rebuilding over the next couple of years east of Malta and north of Glasgow.”

  Here’s a rundown on what antelope hunters can expect around the state:

Western Montana Near Missoula, Butte And Dillon (FWP Regions 2 and 3)

In FWP Region 3 around Helena and Bozeman antelope populations are stable to slightly increasing. In the Madison Valley antelope numbers are strong, with aerial surveys showing the highest number in recent years. One of western Montana’s main antelope herds occupies the east side of the Deer Lodge Valley, but has been expanding to the area north of Garrison and Avon.   Summer surveys report about 200 antelope, the highest count recorded.   Hunting prospects look favorable for the coming season. In the Dillon area fawn production was fair in part due to the effect of extreme drought on the habitat. Antelope licenses were increased in the Big Hole and Bannack areas to try to reduce these populations more in line with what the habitat can support.

  North Central Montana Near Great Falls (FWP Region 4)

Antelope are abundant here, with many populations at or above all time highs, though fewer fawns survived winter and fewer fawns were produced this spring. This is to be expected, as populations begin to loose some productivity as habitats are filled and competition for resources grows. Overall, antelope hunting opportunities are plentiful and hunters are urged to arrange for hunting access and to make their plans well in advance of the hunt. Archery hunting for antelope is also on the rise in this area.

 South Central Montana Near Billings (FWP Region 5)

  Antelope hunters should find good hunting opportunities here. Antelope will be most plentiful in the prairies of the north and northwest, and somewhat less plentiful in the south and southeast. Where antelope populations are well-above average additional doe-fawn licenses are available to either-sex license holders in FWP region 5. Two doe-fawn licenses are available in most northern and northwestern hunting districts in the region, one doe-fawn license is available in central area hunting districts, and none are available in the southern and southeastern hunting districts.

      

 Eastern Montana Near Glasgow, Glendive and Miles City (FWP Regions 6,7)

  Antelope hunters will find a mixed bag of opportunities, and may find herds have dispersed into new locations. In the Miles City area and south of there, the antelope population is about 25 percent higher than the long-term average. The past winter’s harsh conditions also pushed about 1,000 antelope in northeastern Montana south across Fort Peck Reservoir. Also, some herds walked over sheep tight fences in the deep snow and were unable to return to home ranges in spring. This has affected antelope distribution, increasing populations in the central and southern areas of eastern Montana and depleting some populations in the northeast. In the southeast, continuous drought and poor forage has displaced some antelope from traditional ranges into areas where forage is better.

For details on these and other hunting opportunities, contact the nearest FWP region office, or visit FWP’s web page at fwp.state.mt.us.