Notes on FWP Annual Antelope Survey

Ryan Rauscher is the Conrad Area Wildlife Biologist for the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

Ryan recently completed his annual aerial survey of the three antelope hunting districts (HD) he covers.

He shares a few notes on his findings this year:

HD 401. A specific trend area is flow mid July every year in and about the Sweet Grass Hills. Survey conditions were good this year. Antelope numbers remain low in the Sweet Grass Hills, roughly 62% of the long-term average. Last year saw very good production and it was the same this year with above average fawn/doe ratios of 65 fawns/100 does. Dry conditions may have antelope dispersed quite widely. Sportsmen and landowners have reported dispersed antelope as well. Buck numbers also remain below the long-term average at 34 bucks/100 does. Either-sex license numbers will remain low as they have for the past 3 years.

HD404. A general survey is conducted in this hunting district rather than a specific trend area given the large size of the district. Survey conditions were good. Antelope continue to do well in the northern and western portion of the district and struggle somewhat in the southern and eastern portions. Overall however, numbers appear good at 138% of long-term average. Fawn production is average this year at 44 fawns/100 does. Buck ratios are quite good with 51 bucks/100 does. Either-sex licenses were increased this year in response to the good buck numbers after several years of reduced licenses.

HD 441. This is a relatively small district with only a few either-sex licenses. Therefore, a trend area survey is conducted every third year. Survey conditions were very good this year. Antelope numbers are 18% above the long-term average. Of interest is this year saw the highest fawn production ever recorded with 67 fawns/100 does accounting somewhat for the increased overall numbers. Buck numbers were at the long-term average of 44 bucks/100 does. As this is a small district with a limited population, license numbers will remain unchanged.

Categories: North Central Montana News