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SURVEY SAYS
Mule deer surveys show favorable fawn recruitment
While an early spring across the state made the work of FWP wildlife staff more challenging, it also may have helped mule deer populations -- including fawn recruitment. That was the case when biologists were conducting their spring mule deer surveys.
“Overall, the mule deer population is on the upswing, and we are cautiously optimistic,” said Brian Wakeling, FWP’s game management bureau chief. “Just because it is trending upwards, though, doesn't mean that the trend will necessarily continue. In most places, we are still below long-term averages, and our objective remains to increase mule deer numbers.”
Mule deer surveys occur post-hunting season, usually in December and January, and again in the spring to estimate winter survival. They are just one way FWP responds to the concerns of hunters about herd health.
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Comment opportunities for August 19 commission meeting
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet Wednesday, Aug. 19. Comments on agenda items can be submitted electronically through tomorrow, July 23. You’re also welcome to comment in person on Aug. 19 at the Montana Heritage Center in Helena, or at your nearest FWP regional office – find locations here.
Joining by Zoom? You can comment virtually, but you must register in advance. Registration opens Aug. 4 and closes at noon on Aug. 18. Comment time at the meeting may be limited at the commission chair's discretion.
To view agenda items and to comment electronically, click here.
If you have questions about the comment process, contact commission liaison Erik Wickman at 406-594-8921 or FWComm@mt.gov.
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FWP researchers are evaluating the use of remote camera networks as a big game monitoring solution in the heavily forested parts FWP regions 1 and 2 where aerial surveys are often impractical. If successful, FWP may use this methodology to estimate hunting district big game population sizes on a long-term rotating basis. Information from this methodology would be used to inform the public of elk, deer and bear population status, inform management decisions, and improve our ability to monitor the effectiveness of management actions.
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Bear Aware talk at Miles City FWP Aug. 3
Montana is bear country, including southeast Montana. To help the public become more informed, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Region 7 will host a Bear Aware talk on Monday, Aug. 3 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Miles City FWP regional headquarters.
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FWP sites enter Stage 1 fire restrictions
FWP follows the county’s lead in placing fire restrictions on its properties. Current FWP lands with active fire restrictions:
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  Illustrated by: Ed Jenne
RECONSTRUCTING THE REGULATIONS
Every two years, FWP and the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission combine public opinion and scientific data to adjust seasons, harvest quotas, and other components of the hunting regulations booklets.
Ever wonder how Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks comes up with the changes that are made to the hunting regulations? Some hunters think the deliberations are secretly made in dark back rooms, with wildlife biologists and game wardens huddled over the regulations booklets, striking out regulations they don’t like and adding ones they do. But that’s not how it works.
In fact, the process of revising the hunting regulations every two years is open and transparent. And it involves not only FWP staff but also the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission and, most importantly, any members of the public who want to participate.
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Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
1420 East Sixth Avenue, P.O. Box 200701
Helena, MT 59620-0701
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