Surveys Show Increased Mule Deer Numbers
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks biologists completed 2026 spring aerial surveys of deer population trends across Region 6 in northeastern Montana. The surveys indicate general increases in most districts.
Every year, Region 6 wildlife biologists conduct aerial surveys across 11 deer trend areas across the region to assess mule deer population trends in total observations and fawn recruitment ratios. Mule deer surveys occur post hunting season, usually in December and January, and again in the spring in March and April to estimate winter survival. The following results focus on the spring survey.
An important factor of spring surveys is fawn to adult ratios that indicate fawn recruitment. Fawns that have survived their first winter, which is typically the hardest period in the annual cycle, are considered recruited into the population.
Region-wide Summary
The 2026 winter across northeast Montana was fairly mild, but some areas in the extreme northeast corner had more di ult conditions with heavy snow. However, an early warming event in January melted most of the existing snow and the area experienced an open and mild winter from mid-January to spring, which is often the most challenging months for big game animals. Mule deer densities in all 11 deer trend areas this spring indicated an increase of 32 percent from 2025 and overall were slightly above the longterm average. Region-wide fawn to adult ratios show a slight increase from 2025 and are 21 percent above the longterm average.
Glasgow Area
Spring 2026 mule deer surveys in the Glasgow area indicated improved numbers in all three trend areas in hunting districts HD 630, western 650, and eastern 670, with the trend areas in 630 and western 650 being above the long-term average. The 670 Bitter Creek trend area showed substantially increased numbers from last year but was still 34 percent below the long-term average. The fawn to adult ratios in all three trend areas remained above long-term averages but had little change from the 2025 surveys.
Plentywood Area
The Plentywood area includes two trend areas, one in HD 640 and another in the eastern end of HD 650. The trend numbers in HD 640 remain 32 percent above longterm average but decreased from the 2025 spring survey. In the eastern portion of HD 650, total deer numbers increased over 30 percent from 2025 and are right at the longterm average.
Fawn to adult ratios were near long-term averages.
