Spring Surveys Shows Increased Mule Deer Numbers

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks biologists completed 2026 spring aerial surveys of deer population trends across Region 6 in northeastern Montana. The surveys indicate general increases in most districts.

Every year, Region 6 wildlife biologists conduct aerial surveys across 11 deer trend areas across the region to assess mule deer population trends in total observations and fawn recruitment ratios. Mule deer surveys occur post hunting season, usually in December and January, and again in the spring in March and April to estimate winter survival. The following results focus on the spring survey.

Note that the trend areas surveyed are meant to be a sample of the total land area, and deer populations may vary across the region and in individual hunting districts.

An important factor of spring surveys is fawn to adult ratios that indicate fawn recruitment. Fawns that have survived their firs...