bakken hunting guide

BAKKENHUNTINGGUIDE

Special supplement to the

SIDNEY HERALDWILLISTON HERALDPLAINS REPORTER

Autumn 2013Leah Larson | Model Ellen Wznick | Photo

Montana Deer HuntingNorth Dakota Deer HuntingRichland County Game WardenWilliston Game WardenPoachersAntelopeMontana Hunting DatesNorth Dakota Hunting DatesPheasant SeasonPronghorn SeasonUpland Bird HuntingTransporting HorseFire TipsBlue Tongue

Hunting2 Fall 2013 Sidney Herald | WilliSton Herald | PlainS rePorter

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Submitted

Parker Dean had good luck on the last day of the hunting season last year.

Submitted

Steve Harris, Sidney, with his 2011 mule deer buck.

HuntingSidney Herald | WilliSton Herald | PlainS rePorter Fall 2013 3

From montana FWPThis season deer hunters in

Montana will find another a mix of hunting opportunities across the state when the gen-eral season opens Oct. 26.

On the upside, FWP wildlife biologists are reporting better fawn production and survival in many areas. Like other big game hunting, a nice cold front with plenty of snow should lead to some good hunting this season. On the downside, reports of another spotty outbreak of epi-zootic hemorrhagic disease — a fatal virus in deer that is caused by biting insects — are coming in from across Montana.

Even if you didn’t draw a special permit this year, remem-ber Montana offers numerous opportunities to hunt for deer with just a general hunting license.

Here’s a regional rundown on what deer hunters can expect this season.

Region 6 — Northeastern Montana

Effects on mule deer from the winter of 2010-11 are still being seen with regional numbers

20 percent below average, but mule deer numbers are starting to rebound in most areas. Buck ratios are also slightly below av-erage with fewer older-age-class bucks due to winter mortality of older bucks in 2010-11. Doe licenses in most areas remain

similar to 2012 and still well below levels prior to the winter of 2010-11.

White-tailed deer numbers in the Milk River Valley east of Malta to Nashua and in the Mis-souri River bottomlands below Fort Peck Dam were heavily

impacted by an EHD outbreak in 2011. In those areas, numbers remain well below the long-term average, but are starting to rebound. In the Malta area, numbers are slightly below average this year. An EHD outbreak has been confirmed this summer west of Harlem in the western portion of the region, so whitetail numbers will be significantly lower in this area. In the northeastern corner, numbers are near aver-age in prairie habitats but are still down in the Missouri River bottoms from the 2011 EHD outbreak.

Region 7 — Southeastern Montana

Mule deer numbers are still more than 32 percent below the long term average due to the severe winter of 2010-11 that resulted in significant winter-kill of adults and fawns. Over-winter survival last year was high, and fawn recruitment this spring — up to 53 yearlings per 100 adults — increased relative to the previous year. That good news, however, was dampened by reduced fawning rates due to

nutritional stress in does after the extreme winter of 2010-11. Drought conditions the sum-mer of 2012 continued to impact deer nutrition, but forage and precipitation levels have been exceptional so far in 2013. Trend area surveys indicate that mule deer populations are up 11 per-cent from 2012 and deer popula-tions are expected to continue a gradual climb. Hunters may have better opportunity in the southern portion of the region.

White-tailed deer popula-tions are currently 7 percent below the 10-year average. The reduction in white-tailed deer numbers, however, is not all bad. Wildlife biologists note whitetail numbers prior to the EHD outbreak in 2012 were too high and fewer deer on the landscape will allow habitat to recover along with deer num-bers. Forage and precipitation levels have been exceptional so far in 2013. White-tailed deer can recover relatively rapidly from declines, and with double the fawn recruitment rates of last spring, it appears this pro-cess has already begun.

Various deer hunting opportunities in montana this year

Submitted

Sheyanne Janeway with her first deer, a nice 4X4 mule.

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From North Dakota Game & FishIt is good to periodically stop and

glance back at where we’ve been, and take a long look at where we’re going.

With a series of relatively mild win-ters from 1998 through 2008, the Game and Fish Department struggled to keep deer numbers within the tolerance lev-els of landowners. Since 2004, when the first statewide management goals were set in all units, antlerless license num-bers were systematically and steadily increased. In 2010, deer management goals were re-evaluated and updated for each hunting unit in the state. The state-wide goal at that time was set for the next five years at 124,800 deer licenses.

Starting in November 2008 and run-ning through April 2011, North Dakota hosted three “real winters” character-ized by early and persistent snow cover, coupled with cold temperatures. The department continued to aggressively issue antlerless deer licenses, finally reaching management goals for most of the state by spring 2011. During fall 2011, a severe epizootic hemorrhagic disease outbreak killed a significant number of white-tailed deer in the west-ern portion of the state.

Winter 2012 was moderate in much of the state, followed by another hard winter in 2013 throughout the Red River

Valley and northern tier hunting units along the Canadian border.

Recent years have brought dramatic changes for wildlife habitat throughout the state, including loss of CRP, wet-land drainage, habitat fragmentation, removal of tree rows and abandoned farmsteads.

As such, Game and Fish allocated 59,500 licenses for the 2013 deer hunt-ing season, 5,800 fewer than 2012 and the lowest number since 1983. Hunters can receive only one license for the gun season.

After a significant reduction in gun li-censes in 2012, harvest and survey data revealed that deer populations are still below management objectives in most units. Statewide hunter success in 2012 was 63 percent, which was better than 2011 (52 percent), but still lower than the goal of 70 percent.

Winter aerial surveys showed that deer were down from 2011 levels in units 3A1, 1, 2K1, 2K2, 2C, 2D and 2B. Although deer are still below the man-agement objective in 2A, 2F1 and 2F2, winter aerial surveys showed that num-bers were slightly above levels recorded in 2011 (2F1 and 2F2) or 2012 (2A).

Deer numbers overall remain below objectives due to prolonged effects of se-vere winters during 2008-10, which not

only increased adult mortality, but also reduced fawn production. The extreme winter conditions followed nearly a decade of aggressive deer management that featured large numbers of antler-less licenses in most units.

Winter 2012-13 was severe in the northern and eastern portions of the state, which will slow population recov-ery in those areas. Further loss of high quality deer habitat statewide will also limit potential for population recovery.

Currently, all hunting units in the state are below management goals set in 2010, except in 3E2, 3F1, 3F2 and 4F. Fewer licenses in 2013 is necessary to al-low deer populations to increase toward management goals.

Deer hunting opportunities in 2013 include:

• Total licenses available for the 2013 regular season are 59,500, 5,800 fewer than 2012. Antlered licenses were re-duced by 1,850 and antlerless licenses

were reduced by 3,950.• Increased white-tailed buck licenses

by 550 in the southwestern portion of the state due to improved hunter suc-cess rate.

• A total of 1,166 muzzleloader licenses are available in 2013, 583 antlered and 583 antlerless white-tailed deer licenses, a reduction of 116 muzzleloader licenses from 2012.

• A total of 180 nonresident any-deer archery licenses are available for 2013, 502 fewer than in 2012. The number of nonresident any-deer archery licenses will further decline to 172 in 2014.

All resident and nonresident deer archery licenses will be issued via elec-tronic means only, through the Depart-ment’s Bismarck office, Game and Fish website at gf.nd.gov; by calling 800-406-6409; or at license vendors participating in the Game and Fish online licensing system.


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Justin Fisketjon, Williston, N.D., with his 2010 North Dakota archery buck.


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By Ashley hArrisSidney Herald

Sidney has a new game warden, but he is no stranger to Sidney. Ryan Karren, who is a 2001 graduate from Sidney High School, took over as game warden in June.

After high school, Karren at-tended Brigham Young Univer-sity in Utah with a goal of be-coming a game warden. When asked why, Karren said, “I love being outside, love hunting and I love Montana. The combina-tion kinda goes together.”

Following graduation, Kar-ren worked as a game warden for a couple years in Utah before returning to Montana.

Karren’s journey back home started with him taking a posi-tion as a game warden in Miles City. During his time in Miles City, Karren was recognized for a number of achievements including an award from the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in October 2012 for his work solving poaching cases.

Karren now serves as game warden for Richland County as well as parts of surrounding counties.

The 2013 hunting season has begun, and Karren has a number of concerns. His main concerns address the influx of hunters in the area. He urges hunters to be extra mindful of their location and what is be-yond their target as there will be many people out hunting.

Also a big concern for Karren is the number of hunters that won’t be particularly familiar with the regulations. He says, “Make sure you read through the regulations prior to going out hunting.” Many regula-tions that are legal in other states may not be legal here.

Karren highlighted the fact that feeding and baiting of wildlife is illegal in the state of Montana. This includes dump-ing piles of apples, protein and salt blocks, corn, etc., which Karren has seen happening lately.

The regulations are all on

the Fish, Wildlife and Parks website at www.fwp.mt.gov or at the locations where licenses can be purchased.

One regulation people may not be aware of concerns lit-tering. If caught littering, an individual can lose their privi-leges to hunt, fish, trap and use public lands. Karren says, “If you see it, report it.” With tech-nology today, snap a picture and get a hold of Karren.

With the amount of people that may not know the regula-tions, chances are somebody will not be following them. If wildlife violations, littering, etc are seen or heard about please call 1-800-TIP-MONT with as much information as possible.

Although a warden’s job is to protect the resources and wildlife, they aren’t always at the right place at the right time. If you witness something that needs to be addressed, give Karren a call.

Karren says, “I have an open door (phone) and people can call me anytime with con-

cerns and questions. I may not answer right away because my coverage out in the hills is lim-ited, but I do return messages.”

Even though his job is to enforce the law, Karren says

the best part of the job is “chat-ting with people that enjoy the outdoors.”

Karren can be reached at 406-853-7272.

Sidney High School grad new game warden for richland County

Submitted

Ryan Karren enjoys the outdoors, hunting and Montana.



Williston’s game warden, Brian Updike, took the position Oct. 1 of 2012. Being a Beach, N.D., native, Updike is fairly familiar with the area.

Updike enjoys the outdoors and pursued that by working for the National Park Service in resource enforcement. After four years, he went to Minot State University to receive his criminal justice degree. Fol-lowing graduation, he worked as a police officer with the Minot Police Department. Updike enjoyed work-ing for the police department but says his “desire is more toward resource protection.”

Updike now covers Williams and Divide counties as the district’s game warden.

The 2013 hunting season is in full swing now and archery hunters are on the hunt. With a new season comes new concerns and regulations.

All hunters, even veterans, should look over the regulations before going out to hunt as things may change. Updike said the only real change in the regu-lations this year is the waterfowl possession limits.

The major concern at hand is the number of poach-ing cases that Updike is seeing. Game wardens from

numerous states have contacted Updike to inform him that some of their top individuals being investi-gated for poaching have relocated to the Bakken area.

Updike asks people that if they see anything suspi-cious, such as anyone in areas that are not normally inhabited at night, that they contact him.

Most of the issues Updike is seeing are seasonal, year-round issues. Updike stated that out of 100 tickets, probably 45-50 of them are for not having a license. Along the same lines, there is an issue with non-residents purchasing resident licenses although they are not legally North Dakota residents. North Dakota regulations state that in order to claim residency for hunting purposes an individual must live primarily in North Dakota for a minimum of six months. Subsequently, individuals can only claim

residency in one state. There have been a lot of illegally taken animals

over the last year, which Updike is working dili-gently to cut down.

What he can’t control, is the increase of people in the area. Updike urges hunters to beware of their surroundings with the numbers of people out recreating.

Updike urges hunters that if they see “anything suspicious, don’t be afraid to let us know.” Updike can be reached at 701-770-0082. Violations can also be reported by calling the Report All Poachers hot-line at 1-800-472-2121.

Updike in second year as Williston’s game warden

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Montana’s Tip Mont program and North Dakota’s RAP (Report All Poaching) Program are almost identical, besides being a state apart. Mon-tana’s Fish Wildlife and Parks and North Dakota Game and Fish run these programs with a very similar approach of giving individuals the op-portunity to anonymous-ly report violations they see while out recreating.

These programs are in place to help protect the natural resources as well as the people who enjoy them. Laws are set for this purpose, but when violations happen it

seriously affects the fish, wildlife and state parks.

Some violations may seem small but could have a very devastating effect on the wildlife. Littering for example, although it seems harm-

less to some, could poten-tially poison or suffocate fish, wildlife or even plant life. The plastic rings that hold bottles and cans together, plastic bags and fishing line are a few of the common pieces of garbage that

can have rather drastic effects on wildlife.

Violations that effect wildlife are what these programs are hoping to have reported.

Poaching, the illegal harvesting of an ani-

mal, is one of the major infractions. Obviously, when an individual is harvesting or catching animals illegally, it is go-ing to have a huge impact on the population.

Closely related is exceeding bag limits. As previously stated, the laws are set to help protect the resources. In this situation, the bag limits are set to prevent destruction or depletion of animal populations.

Other violations that can be reported include, but are not limited to the following: hunting or fishing out of season, trespassing, vehicles in restricted areas and theft or destruction of natural resources.

If you see any of these violations while out

recreating, do your part and report them. Report-ing them is a simple step, as the operator will be trained in what to ask you.

It is best that you observe and gather as much information as you can prior to calling. Helpful informa-tion would include the date, time and location of the violation. Also valuable would be a vehicle description, description of the person(s) involved, details of viola-tion, witnesses and physical evidence.

As with any description, just saying “it was a red truck with a gun rack” may not help but noticing a unique characteris-tic such as a broken tail light, dent or a bumper sticker

would lead investigators closer to solving a case.

These programs are very similar to Crimestoppers, as they offer a reward to those that provide valuable information. Both programs offer of up to

$1,000 depending on the nature and seriousness of the crime reported, as well as the outcome.

To report violations ei-ther call 1-800-TIP-Mont (1-800-847-6668) for Mon-tana or 1-800-472-2121 for North Dakota.


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Submitted

Brandon Combs shows the success he experienced elk hunting this season.

Recent surveys across Montana Fish, Wild-life and Parks (MFWP) Region 7 indicate that antelope populations are recovering but remain well below long-term averages.

Wildlife Biologists com-pleted seven population trend surveys across the region and observed 1,855 antelope — 21 percent more than in 2012. Even with a 21 percent in-crease, the 2013 trend count was 50 percent below long-term average and 66 percent below the 10-year peak count that occurred in 2006.

“Antelope populations in the region are heav-ily influenced by annual

weather conditions and disease outbreaks,” Wildlife biologist Dean Waltee said. “For example, a bluetongue outbreak in 2008 reduced popula-tions in the northwest portion of the region by 33 percent. Before populations could recover severe spring and winter conditions beginning in the spring of 2009 and continuing until the fall of 2011 reduced region wide populations by 76 percent.”

The 2013 increase was the first observed since harsh weather conditions subsided during the fall of 2011.

“Similar declines were observed following the

severe winters of 1978 and 1979,” Waltee said. “In 1980, biologists observed densities similar to what were observed over the past two years. Those populations recovered to average or above average densities by 1984 or 1985.”

Waltee added, “We are seeing increased numbers of adult bucks and does, which was expected given recent mild winter condi-tions and reduced harvest opportunity. In 2012, 3,100 antelope licenses were issued region wide; an 87 percent reduction from 2009 when 13,000 either-sex and 10,000 doe-fawn licenses were issued.” Of a total harvest of 1643 an-telope in 2012, only 250 doe antelope were harvested region wide.

“We were about as re-strictive as possible with doe harvest last season,” Waltee said. Antelope li-cense quotas will remain at 3,000 either-sex and 100 doe-fawn for the 2013 season.

In localized areas, biolo-gists are seeing reduced fawn production and sur-vival rates. Waltee noted, “It’s definitely something to keep a close eye on but at this point, I’m not over-ly concerned. I suspect extremely dry conditions last summer had an im-pact on this year’s fawn production and survival of last year’s fawns to year-lings. Region wide yearling recruitment increased relative to 2012 and having more yearling (non fawn-pro-ducing) does in the popula-tion causes the fawn-to-doe ratio to de-crease. Given exceptional precipitation this summer and barring severe condi-tions this win-

ter, I expect to see fawn-to-doe ratios and yearling recruitment improve next year. I also expect to see continued population growth”

Wildlife biologist Bernie Hildebrand suspects that a blue-tongue outbreak in 2008 and the severe winter of 2010-11 have rendered a significant proportion of the doe population in northwestern Region 7 (HD 700 and 701) bar-ren. “I was seeing large groups of does with few or no fawns,” said Hildebrand. “That’s not normal.” Using annual production and recruit-ment data, Hildebrand estimates that 35 percent of adult does in north-western Region 7 are no longer producing fawns.

“Fawn-to-doe ratios are expected to increase as that barren segment is harvested or dies out and is replaced by younger more productive does, but it’s going

to take a couple of years” said

Hildebrand.Antelope population

status varied across the region and so will hunting opportunities. “The highest antelope density was observed near Alzada,” Waltee said. “I observed about 70 bucks per 100 does in southern Carter County (705), and fawn produc-tion was great in the area with more than 90 fawns per 100 does on average. Yearling recruitment was below average in central Carter County but was the best observed in 10 years in southern Carter County. I suspect last year’s drought reduced recruitment in the cen-tral portion of the county where more marginal habitats are present.”

Waltee observed

similar increases across Powder River County (southern Hunting Dis-trict 704). “Populations are rebounding nicely in the southern portion of the region,” Waltee said. “I recommend hunters come to this part of the region to hunt antelope this fall. Hunter success rates measured at the Broadus Check Station have equaled 72 percent each of the past two years. I expect similar rates this year” Waltee said.

Glendive area biologist Melissa Foster observed healthy increases across 703 and the northern por-tion of 705, with popula-tions doubling on two trend areas and increas-ing by 60 percent on a third. “Although popula-tions remain below long-term average, I’m definite-ly seeing more antelope on the ground,” Foster said “I’m seeing good fawn pro-duction in adult does, but our fawn-to-doe numbers seem low because there are a lot of yearlings in the population. I expect to see production increase next year when all of those yearlings produce their first fawns.”

Hunters should expect to find more antelope in the eastern portion of the region than they have over the past couple of years. There is certainly

opportunity to hunt ante-lope but sportsmen who are unfamiliar with the area should be aware that it is not our most produc-tive antelope country. “We don’t have the big expans-es of sagebrush habitat that sustain antelope dur-ing winter like elsewhere in the region.”

Populations in the northwestern portion of the region (HDs 700 and 701), which were impacted by a bluetongue outbreak in 2008 and most severely impacted by the 2010-11 winter remain in the toughest condition.

“Although populations are increasing some, counts remain 75 percent below long-term average and are the lowest I have observed in more than 30 years,” Hildebrand said. “There remains a large percentage of does that aren’t producing fawns. That will slow recovery across the area. There still are antelope and the buck-to-doe ratio (55:100) is near long-term average, but more productive hunting will be found as you prog-ress south in Region 7.”

Those interested in learning more about antelope populations or hunting opportunities in Region 7 should contact the regional office at 406-234-0900.


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Antelope population sluggish in Montana’s Region Seven

‘Although populations

remain below long-

term average, I’m

definitely seeing more

antelope on

the ground.’

Melissa FosterGlendive area biologist

Submitted

Photo taken by Steve Harris, Sidney.


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S I D N E Y ’ S O R I G I N A L S P O R T S B A R

Montana SeaSon DateSAntelope• 900: Aug. 15-Nov. 10• Archery: Sept. 7-Oct. 11• General: Oct. 12-Nov. 10Bighorn Sheep• Archery: Sept. 5-Sept. 14• General: Sept. 15-Dec. 1Bison: Nov. 15-Feb. 15, 2014Black Bear• Archery: Sept. 7-Sept. 14• Fall: Sept. 15-Dec. 1Deer & Elk• Archery: Sept. 7-Oct. 20• Youth-Deer Only: Oct. 17 -18• General: Oct. 26-Dec. 1Backcountry (HDs 150, 151, 280, 316)• Archery: Sept. 7-Sept. 14• General: Sept. 15-Dec. 1Moose• General: Sept. 15-Dec. 1Mountain Goat• General: Sept. 15-Dec. 1Mountain Lion• Archery: Sept. 7-Oct. 20• Fall: Oct. 26 -Dec. 1• Winter: Dec. 1-April 14, 2014Wolf• Archery: Sept. 7-Sept. 14• General: Sept. 15-March 15, 2014• Trapping: Dec. 15-Feb. 28, 2014

Turkey: Sept. 1- Jan 1Pheasant: Oct. 12 – Jan. 1

north Dakota SeaSon DateSDeer*Archery: Aug. 30 – Jan. 5*Youth: Sept. 20 – Sept. 29*General: Nov. 8 – Nov. 24*Muzzleloader: Nov. 29 – Dec. 15Wild Turkey: Oct. 12 – Jan. 5Elk*Region E2: Oct. 4 – Dec. 31 *Region E5: Sept. 6 – Dec. 31Sharp-tailed Grouse: Sept. 14 – Jan. 5Ruffed Grouse: Sept. 14 – Jan. 5Pheasants*Regular season: Oct. 12 – Jan. 5*Delayed opener: Oct. 19 – Jan. 5 Big Horn Sheep *Archery: Oct. 18 – Nov. 7*Regular: Oct. 25 – Nov. 7Moose*Archery: Sept. 6 – Sept. 29*Regular: Oct. 11 – Nov. 3Duck*Resident: Sept. 21 – Dec. 1*Non-resident: Sept. 28 – Dec. 1Geese*Resident: Sept. 21 – Dec. 21*Non-resident: Sept. 28 – Dec. 21

Hunting season dates

Submitted

Ashley Harris, Sidney, with her 2012 mule deer buck.


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A GOOD HUNT STARTS HERE

From North Dakota Game & FishNorth Dakota’s roadside pheasant

survey conducted in late July and August indicates total birds, number of broods and average brood size are all down statewide from 2012.

Stan Kohn, upland game management supervisor for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, said the survey shows total pheasants are down 30 per-cent from last year. In addition, brood observations were down 29 percent, and the average brood size was down 10 percent. The final summary is based on 253 survey runs made along 101 brood routes across North Dakota.

“Poor production this spring resulted in fewer young birds added to the popu-

lation and a lower fall population in all areas of the state,” Kohn said.

Noteworthy factors cited for the de-crease in brood numbers, according to Kohn, were continued land use changes in the prime pheasant range, includ-ing removal of Conservation Reserve Program acres, grasslands converted to croplands and small grain fields con-verted to row crops; and continuous wet spring weather.

“Earlier this summer we thought it was possible that nesting season was de-layed enough to avoid an influence from the cold, wet spring,” Kohn said, “but it now appears that wasn’t the case.”

Kohn said even though statistics re-veal bird numbers are down statewide,

there will still be local areas with good pheasant populations.

Statistics from southwestern North Dakota indicate the number of birds ob-served was down 25 percent from 2012, and the number of broods was down 22 percent. Observers counted 15 broods and 126 birds per 100 survey miles. The average brood size was 5.8.

Results from the southeast show birds are down 43 percent from last year, and the number of broods down 42 percent. Observers counted five broods and 49 birds per 100 miles. The average brood size was 5.9.

Statistics from the northwest indicat-ed pheasants are down 39 percent from last year, with broods down 32 percent.

Observers recorded six broods and 48 birds per 100 miles. Average brood size was 5.5.

The northeast district, generally containing secondary pheasant habitat with much of it lacking good winter cover, showed one brood and seven birds per 100 miles. Average brood size was 4.7. Number of birds observed was down 35 percent, and the number of broods recorded was down 33 percent.

The 2013 regular pheasant season opens Oct. 12 and continues through Jan. 5, 2014. The two-day youth pheasant hunting weekend, when legally licensed residents and nonresidents ages 15 and younger can hunt statewide, is set for Oct. 5-6.

Game and Fish summarizes pheasant brood data for north dakota

North Dakota’s pronghorn popula-tion is finally growing after five years of steady decline. However, Bruce Stillings, big game supervisor for the State Game and Fish Department, said numbers are still below population ob-jectives and not high enough to warrant a hunting season. Therefore, the Game and Fish Department is recommending

the pronghorn hunting season remain closed in 2013.

Recent survey results indicate the statewide population is 5,400 prong-horn, 49 percent higher than last year, but still 62 percent below 2008, the last year a hunting season was held. “We expected to see a population increase due to another year without a hunting

season and a mild winter across much of our pronghorn range, which led to high adult and fawn survival,” Stillings said.

This year, Stillings mentioned, fawn production was average to below aver-age in all management regions. He said another mild to average winter in 2013 should encourage future population

growth, but challenges remain with pronghorn habitat in the west.

The aerial survey is flown in late June/early July after young-of-the-year are born and visible. Five airplanes covered more than 11,000 square miles of aerial transects within pronghorn habitat.

officials announce pronghorn population increases in North Dakota


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All things considered — from last summer’s drought to this spring’s floods — 2013 should still shape up to be near to just below average in Montana for upland game bird hunters.

Here’s run down on the status of Montana’s top upland game birds.Gray (HunGarian) PartridGe

• While no formal surveys are conducted for huns in Montana, various observations along with weather and habitat conditions suggest huns will be average to below average this season. Observations in Regions 3 and 6 suggest average numbers. Observations from Region 5 suggest numbers will be below average and lower than last year.PHeasants

• The real bright spot is in northeastern Montana’s Region 6, where pheasant numbers continue to im-prove and are well above long term averages. In this

area, spring “crow counts” — where wildlife biologists travel specific routes to count and record the “crows” of cock pheasants to determine the size of the popula-tion — were 15 percent above the long term average. Also, consider southeastern Montana where spring crow counts in Region 7, were 40 percent below the all time high counts last year, but still 5 to 25 percent above the long term average. In northwestern Mon-tana, favorable weather in Region 1 resulted in above average counts on the Ninepipe Wildlife Management Area. Region 3 reported average counts for southwest-ern Montana. In Region 5, in the Billings area, pheas-ant crow counts varied and were near average to well below long-term averages. Overall, Region 5 expects a slight improvement in pheasant numbers over last year.saGe Grouse

• Statewide, male attendance at leks averaged 14.9

males per lek which is 48 percent below long-term averages, and down from 19.2 males per lek last year. The drop is likely a function of extreme drought con-ditions during 2012 which led to low brood survival. The drop in abundance was somewhat uniformly distributed across sage grouse range in Montana. Consequently, hunters can expect numbers to be near average to well below average in all regions. Excellent brood rearing conditions may mitigate the declines to some extent.sHarP-tailed Grouse

• Region 3 reported average to below average num-bers. Lek surveys and other observations in Region 6 indicate sharptail numbers will be average to slightly below average across the region. General observations from Region 5 similarly suggest below average num-bers.

Montana upland game bird hunting season should be just below average

Even as populations begin a slow rebound, hunters in Montana will have to work hard to bag an antelope again this season in many areas.

Montana’s antelope archery season will close Oct. 11 and the general rifle sea-son for antelope will run Oct. 12-Nov. 10.

Here’s a regional rundown on what antelope hunters can expect this year.

Region 6—Northeastern MontanaAll hunting districts will again see low

license numbers because of lingering impacts from the recent severe winters. Overall, populations are lower than long-term averages, and fawn production also remains below average in most areas. Decreased harvest quotas are expected to persist for at least several more years as

pronghorn populations recover.Region 7—Southeastern MontanaAntelope populations are recover-

ing but remain well below long term averages. While there is a promising 21 percent increase from 2012, it’s still 50 percent below long term average and 66 percent below the 10 year peak count that occurred in 2006. Populations are

rebounding nicely in the southern por-tion of the region, but seem to be strug-gling in the northern portion. Hunter success rates measured at the Broadus Check Station have equaled 72 percent each of the past two years and similar rates are expected again this year. FWP recommends that hunters head to the southern portion of the region to hunt.

Montana hunters will have to work hard to bag antelope this season

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Hunting season is a very exciting time for many Montanans, as well as out-of-state visitors who come to hunt in Montana. As you prepare for your hunting trip, make sure you have plenty of water to put your warming fire out completely. Vegetation is dry and wild-land fires can still occur. Do your part to ensure you do not start a wildland fire. Before you head outdoors know the below items.

1. Are warming fires allowed in the area you are hunting? Visit www.fir-erestrictions.us to find out.

2. It is best to keep your fire small and manageable, no larger than three feet in diameter.

3. Make certain you have an adequate

clear zone above and around your fire, a four foot area cleared for every one foot of flame height.

4. Never leave your warming fire unat-tended.

5. Drown your fire with plenty of water and stir. Dirt is useful in putting out a fire.

6. Ensure it is cold to the touch before leaving.

If you are exploring the forests, rangelands, and back country in vehi-cles you must stay on established roads and trails and avoid driving over dry grass and brush that could be ignited by hot exhaust systems.

Have a safe, fun, and successful hunt-ing season.

Make sure your warming fireis dead out this hunting season

The Montana Depart-ment of Livestock is reminding hunters that horses are required to have a brand inspection before crossing county lines. According to Mon-tana Code 81-3-211 (2), it is “unlawful to remove or cause to be removed…any livestock…unless the livestock have been inspected for brands by a state stock inspector or deputy state stock inspec-tor and a certificate of the inspection has been issued…for the purpose of the transportation.”

“It’s a pretty com-mon violation during hunting season,” said Paul Johnson, Montana Department of Livestock district inspector for

Cascade, Lewis & Clark and Teton counties. “Pro-ducers move livestock all the time and are gener-ally pretty familiar with transportation require-

ments, but sometimes hunters just don’t know.”

Not knowing could cost you $135, Johnson said, adding that he wouldn’t be surprised to see MDOL inspectors at popular trailheads, check stations

and other places where hunters congregate.

Johnson recommends that hunters get their horses inspected in advance of their planned departure. “The inspec-tion is good for a year of movement, or you can get a lifetime, so there’s no good reason to wait until the last minute,” he said.

A map of brand in-spectors by county can be found on the depart-ment’s web site; annual and lifetime inspections can also be issued at live-stock markets (marked in blue on the map). If you need an inspector but don’t have access to the web, call 406-444-9431 and officials will track one down for you.

Hunters reminded to get horses inspected


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Many times when a hunter hears the term “Blue Tongue” they can picture a deer carcass lying dead along the banks of a creek or stream. One tiny bug, also known as a biting gnat, causes this often-fatal disease.

The first discovered cases of Blue Tongue were in New Jersey and Michigan in 1955. Although many cases prior to this had the same symptoms and very well could have been Blue Tongue, these were the first confirmed cases.

Over the years it has been ob-served that this disease mainly affects whitetail deer, while oc-casionally infecting mule deer, elk and pronghorn antelope. All information shows that humans cannot contract the disease.

Blue Tongue typically does not cause alarm unless it has been a dry summer, as the biting gnats live and breed in stagnant water. Outbreaks typi-cally occur in the late summer

after a dry spell. Although the first frost will kill off all the gnats, the damage has already been done.

It all starts with a bite from one tiny bug. Once infected, animals come down with a fever, which causes them to fre-quent the same waters where they were originally bitten. As they return to the area and get bit more, the virus becomes more potent causing even more symptoms.

Other symptoms include loss of appetite, no fear of humans, excessive salivation, extreme weakness, unwillingness to rise, sore eyes, lameness and bleeding or swelling of the head, neck or tongue.

Some deer may die within one to three days, while oth-ers may suffer for weeks or months. An even smaller few may make it and be disabled for months. Such disabilities are emaciation, lesions, ulcers and swollen.

Many deer that survive the disease could have chronic issues. While sick with the

virus, the growth of hooves may be interrupted which may cause splitting, peeling or even breaking. Ulcers, lesions and scarring may remain following the disease as well.

During an outbreak, it is estimated that between 30-50 percent of the population will die off, which can drastically af-

fect hunting outcomes. It takes an area quite a while to recover from such an outbreak, such as the outbreak in the area in 2011.

Locally, Blue Tongue was not an issue this year, but southwestern North Dakota and north central Montana have confirmed outbreaks this season.

During seasons of outbreak, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and North Dakota Game and Fish request that when you happen upon a dead deer that you report it. There is not cur-rently a way of preventing Blue Tongue or treating it. Hopefully with studies being done, there will be one day.

Blue tongue bigger issue in north dakota than Montana this year

Steve HarriS | SuBMitted

Blue Tongue mainly affects whitetail deer, while occasionally infecting mule deer, elk and pronghorn antelope.


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