MILES CITY – Habitat conditions in much of southeastern Montana are considerably better than a couple years ago, when the landscape was severely impacted by drought. However, there was very little snow this past winter, which resulted in low winter mortality for many wildlife species but conversely results in very little moisture going into the spring. Much of the region received early summer rainfall this year, which improved habitat conditions across much of the region. But July was extremely hot and dry, which has deteriorated habitat conditions.
Elk
The two core elk populations in the region remain in hunting district (HD) 700 and the Southeastern Montana Elk Management Unit (HDs 702, 704, 705). Access remains challenging, especially in HD 702, where most of the elk occur on private land. Outside of these areas (in HDs 701 and 703), elk numbers are generally low, but numbers have been increasing at a moderate rate, accompanied by a gradual expansion of elk into previously unoccupied habitat.
FWP biologists have observed strong elk numbers and calf recruitment in the Southeastern Montana Elk Management Unit and the bull:cow ratio is at objective (30:-45) as well. In HD 700 the total amount of elk observed during recent surveys decreased and there was a dip in the calf recruitment, too. In HD 700, both the ratio of 25 bulls:100 cows and total observed elk are below objective.
Elk hunters should get familiar with the regulations as they vary across HDs within the region.
Mule deer
Mule deer numbers improved by 15 percent from 2025 and are currently approximately 17 percent below the long-term average across Region 7. The region-wide adult:fawn ratio was 55 fawns per 100 adults, indicating favorable recruitment. Limited winter snowfall resulted in relatively low winter mortality, although the lack of snowpack provided little moisture going into spring. Warm and dry spring conditions limited early-season forage, but early-summer rainfall substantially improved forage conditions across much of the region during the fawning period. Extremely hot and dry conditions in July reduced these benefits and caused forage conditions to decline through the latter part of the summer. Overall, favorable winter survival, improved forage conditions during the fawning period and good recruitment contributed to continued improvement in mule deer numbers across the region. While overall mule deer numbers remain below the long-term average in Region 7, some areas are showing continued signs of recovery.
Antlerless mule deer license quotas remained unchanged from 2025, however hunters are strongly encouraged to review all current regulations prior to hunting this season.
White-tailed deer
White-tailed deer numbers continue to vary across the region. Limited winter snowfall resulted in relatively low winter mortality, while early-summer rainfall improved vegetation and forage conditions across much of the region. These improved conditions provided additional forage during the fawning period, although extremely hot and dry conditions in July reduced forage availability later in the summer.
No significant epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) activity has been observed in Region 7 to date in 2026. Previous EHD outbreaks have resulted in localized mortality in portions of the region, including substantial losses in northern Carter and southern Fallon counties in 2021 and localized outbreaks along portions of the Powder and Yellowstone rivers in subsequent years.
Antlerless white-tailed deer licenses are allocated through the same general process as antlerless mule deer licenses. Biologists establish annual quotas, with licenses first available through the drawing. Any remaining licenses are subsequently made available through the surplus process, followed by over-the-counter sales if licenses remain.
Hunters are strongly encouraged to review current regulations and license availability prior to hunting this season.
Pronghorn
This summer, biologists observed strong antelope numbers in southeast Montana. The 2026 aerial counts were the highest since 2006 and were 27 percent above last year, 69 percent above the 10-year average and 51 percent above average dating back to 1992. The southeastern part of the region still hosts the strongest numbers with approximately six antelope per square mile compared to approximately three antelope per square mile in the northern portion of Region 7.
Hunters are again reminded that Region 7 is split with licenses valid in the northern portion of the region and licenses valid in the southern portion. The 007-21 either-sex license and the 007-31 doe/fawn license are valid in the northern portion of Region 7, while the 007-20 and the 007-30 licenses are valid in the southern portion of the region using the Yellowstone River as the boundary between the two.
The second opportunity 705-30 doe/fawn license is valid only in hunting district 705, to focus additional doe harvest where populations are the strongest. This license is sold on a first-come-first-served basis, one per hunter, and is only available to those who hold a valid 007-20 antelope license.
In response to the robust total counts and strong fawn production, FWP has increased the number of antelope licenses available in Region 7.
“Although antelope numbers are believed to have increased across much of the region, biologists recognize that these are broad-scale population trends and that abundance may be lower in specific areas or drainages,” wildlife biologist Steve Atwood said.
With the increase in licenses, opening weekend of the antelope season is anticipated to be busy.
“Hunters may find less competition and fewer hunters in the field after the opening weekend,” Atwood said.
