Montana 2025 Deer and Elk Season: FWP Forecast Highlights

So the Montana rifle season has arrived, and if you’re digging out your orange vest, cursing at the coffee maker at 4 A.M., we’re kindred spirits. The FWP folks released the big-game forecast, and it’s a SNEAK PEEK at what hunters are likely to experience this year in all seven regions of Big Sky Country.

You can read the full forecast for each region by visiting the FWP website. But here is the quick rundown of what to expect according to the FWP data.

Region 1 – Northwest

Both elk and deer received a strong boon from a mild winter. Elk numbers increased a tad outside the Bob with good calf recruitment. Whitetail fawn sightings are also up, and buck harvest has been increasing. Mule deer are doing well and with no antlerless opportunity. The status of the moose population is stable but below historical highs.

Region 2 – Western Montana

Another mild winter contributed to growing elk and deer numbers around the state. Most districts have populations of elk at or above herd objective levels. Mule deer are holding steady. Whitetail numbers are on the rise, and pronghorn opportunities are still scarce.

Region 3 – Southwest

Elk are stacked this year. Especially in places around Livingston, Dillon, Butte, and Bozeman. Many are still parked on private land, so they require access. Mule deer populations are mixed: some parts of the region trend upward, others, not so much. Pronghorn are on the rise, but still recovering from a couple of rough winters.

Region 4 – North-Central

Cooler, wetter weather had generally stabilized most big-game populations. Elk are everywhere and above objective in many parts of the region, particularly around Great Falls and the Rocky Mountain Front. There are mule deer slowly gaining ground with good carrying capacity of fawns. Whitetails cling to river corridors, as they like to do. Pronghorn are classified as mixed, with the Judith Basin area trending upward.

Region 5 – South-Central

Elk numbers are holding strong. Even with better fawn recruitment this year, mule deer are still behind long-term averages. Whitetails are slowly improving. Pronghorn Antelope overall are conditional with a few license changes. (I haven't drawn antelope in region 5 for over 2 years...)

Region 6 – Northeast

The region is still recovering from a population drop related to drought and the 2022–23 winter. Elk: Below average in the Breaks and stable in Bears Paw. Mule deer numbers are 22% below long-term averages, but fawn survival is good. Whitetails are down after a recent disease outbreak, and the pronghorn numbers are finally starting to see a slight upswing.

Region 7 – Southeast

This area did receive a good drink of moisture. Numbers of elk are solid in core areas, yet they remain heavily tied to private land. Mule deer are still below long-term averages, but are seeing a smidge of recovery in some pockets. Whitetails are bouncing back from a bad episode of EHD (The disease makes deer act like zombies). But the good news is that the Pronghorn counts are the highest in a decade.

Final Take

If there is one theme of this year, it’s recovery and access.

Snag your access early, check the regs over twice, and keep your boots fit for long walks. For people willing to put in the work, it’s shaping up to be a strong year.

HAPPY HUNTING