Biologists are cautiously optimistic that late spring moisture will boost mule deer numbers in north-central Montana following three years of extreme drought. Trend surveys from earlier this year indicate good over-winter survival rates for fawns born in spring 2025, and significant rainfall in May and June may improve habitat conditions.
“Right now, the country is as lush and green as we have seen in a long time, which is important since the physical condition and health of the doe is the single biggest factor driving fawn production, survival and recruitment into the adult population. said Cory Loecker, FWP wildlife manager in Great Falls. “So, with the favorable conditions we are enjoying now, we are hopeful that our deer numbers will begin to rebound. But it took several years of poor conditions to get us to this point, so we expect it will take a few consecutive good years to see significant recovery.”
In the Great Falls area, deer numbers remain below long-term averages, especially in foothills, while agricultural areas are holding slightly better. Southern Rocky Mountain Front continues to struggle with fawn production, but milder winters have helped stabilize the population. The Judith River area has seen slow increases, but numbers remain low.
In contrast, White Sulphur Springs has reported better weather and higher deer harvests, while Judith Basin County is well above long-term averages due to favorable conditions. The northern Rocky Mountain Front is still affected by drought, though eastern agricultural areas show stable to increasing deer populations.
Hunters should note that in response to low deer numbers, they will find extremely limited opportunities to harvest antlerless deer, and very few or no B licenses available across most hunting districts in Region 4.
By Karen Anderson: July 7, 2026 – Great Falls, Mt
