Region 6 big game hunting forecast according to MFWP

2015 ANTELOPE HUNTING OUTLOOK

Montana antelope populations are continuing to recover and grow from previous years' winter kills and low fawn numbers in central and eastern Montana.

This year, there are even a few more special licenses available reflecting that improving status.

Successful antelope-license applicants may recognize increased fawn production in many areas as populations respond to this year's favorable weather and habitat conditions.

Montana's antelope archery season will close Oct. 9. The general rifle season for antelope will run Oct. 10-Nov. 8.

As always, FWP wildlife biologists and game warders will be operating hunter check-stations throughout the state to collect biological information and ensure regulations are followed. All hunters are required to stop at check stations.

For more information on antelope hunting in Montana, visit FWP's website at fwp.mt.gov, click "Hunting" then click Plan Your Hunt.

Here's a Region 6 rundown on what antelope hunters can expect this year.

Region 6—Northeastern Montana

• Antelope numbers are still below long term averages here but are continuing to rebound. Although license numbers remain low, hunters lucky enough to draw a tag should have good success in filling it.

2015 ELK HUNTING OUTLOOK

These are good times for elk hunters as Montana elk populations continue to be strong across most of the state.

In some areas of western Montana, where populations have declined, wildlife biologists have recently observed increased recruitment of calves.

In many hunting districts, however, access to private lands can be difficult, which can affect hunting success given landownership patterns and distribution of elk.

Montana's archery season for elk will close Oct. 18. The general, five-week long, elk-hunting season runs Oct. 24 through Nov. 29.

Even if you didn't draw a special permit this year, remember Montana offers numerous opportunities to hunt for elk with just a general hunting license.

Depending on the hunting district regulations hunters can pursue brow-tined bull elk, spike bull elk, either-sex elk, or antler-less elk. For more information on elk hunting in Montana, visit FWP's website at fwp.mt.gov, click "Hunting" then click Plan Your Hunt.

FWP wildlife biologists and game wardens will be operating hunter check-stations throughout the state to collect biological information and ensure regulations are followed. All hunters are required to stop at check stations.

Here's a Region 6 rundown on what elk hunters can expect this season.

Region 6—Northeastern Montana

• Elk numbers remain at or above management objectives in most hunting districts. All elk hunting in the Bears Paw Mountains and the Missouri River Breaks is by special permits awarded via the annual drawing. Elk in these areas are most often found in core-habitat areas a mile or more from active roads and other human activity. Elk densities are lower in the general-season hunting area north of U.S. Highway 2.

2015 DEER HUNTING OUTLOOK

Hunters who witnessed a drop in mule deer numbers in many areas of Montana a few years ago will see improving populations this year as favorable weather and habitat conditions kicked in in 2014 and 2015.

Additionally, in many areas of the state, fawn recruitment has been excellent and populations are doing well.

Even if you didn't draw a special permit this year, remember Montana offers numerous opportunities to hunt for deer with just a general hunting license.

Montana's archery season for deer will close Oct. 18. The general deer season opens Oct. 24 and ends Nov. 29.

FWP wildlife biologists and game warders will be operating hunter check-stations throughout the state to collect biological information and ensure regulations are followed. All hunters are required to stop at check stations.

For more information on Montana's five-week long general deer hunting season, visit FWP's website at fwp.mt.gov, click "Hunting" then click Plan Your Hunt.

Here's a Region 6 rundown on what deer hunters can expect this season.

Region 6—Northeastern Montana

• Mule deer numbers are at or above long term averages in the eastern half of the region and at or below long term averages in the western half. In general, mule deer hunters can expect to see more mule deer as compared to recent years.

• White-tailed deer numbers have continued to lag behind mule deer due to EHD outbreaks in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Nonetheless, very good fawn numbers for both white-tailed deer and mule deer have been observed across the region this summer.