While mule deer populations remain steady in portions of the state, spring green-up surveys conducted by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wildlife biologists showed populations in some parts of the state remain lower than desired, and as a result, licenses available to hunters in those areas have been cut back. Over the past few years, persistent drought, particularly in southeast Montana, has

Hunters interested in signing up for elk permits left over from the permit drawing can do so until Aug. 4. This new process for the sale of surplus licenses began in 2020 in response to issues in years past. The old process was vulnerable to long lag times, confusion, and a perception of inequity for those unable to use the first-come, first-served online option starting at 5 a.m. There