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CONSERVATION MENU

Deer

Conservation > Wildlife Management Deer

Mule deer and white-tailed deer are the most widely distributed and abundant big game mammals in Montana. Although they evolved to live and thrive in broadly different environments, the two species are remarkably adaptive. Both occur in a wide variety of habitats, under widely fluctuating environmental conditions, in the presence of numerous other wild mammals and domestic livestock, and in the wake of extensive human development and disturbance.

Managing deer across diverse habitats and conditions in Montana begins with understanding both their biology and behavior. It also requires effective methods for monitoring populations and habitats as well as for manipulating deer numbers or habitat factors to meet diverse social and economic objectives.

Montana has a long history of research to provide basic information about deer and their habitats and to develop and test new and improved methods and criteria for deer management.

Harvest Reports

For historical harvest reports and more information, visit here.

Hunting Guide

Deer are managed as a game animal in Montana with regulated hunting seasons.

Management Plan

Population & Distribution

Mule Deer

Population Status Charts

 

Population Status Maps

 

Distribution Maps

 

White-tailed Deer

Population Status Charts

 

Distribution Maps

Research

 

 

Completed Research

Human Dimension Surveys

Hunter Surveys

 

Additional Reports

How Antlers Grow

The science behind antler growth