Deer, antelope harvest down in northeast Montana

BILLINGS (AP) — Wildlife officials say a harsh winter combined with spring flooding and a summer disease outbreak have reduced antelope and deer numbers, leading to fewer hunters visiting northeast Montana.

"Hunter numbers so far are down 31 percent from last year," said Scott Hemmer, wildlife biologist for Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

But officials also said the wet weather has caused duck numbers to skyrocket, while elk have benefited from more forage and are more widely distributed.

"Hunters have reported observing good numbers of elk, and they've noted that elk have been located in areas where they are more accessible than in past years," Hemmer told the Billings Gazette (http://bit.ly/u7wZRj ).

Elk harvest in Region 6 is up 127 percent from last year and 67 percent above the long-term average, he said.

But the numbers aren't as bright for antelope and deer hunters.

The agency cut antelope hunting licenses after heavy snows over the winter prevented antelope from reaching forage and many starved to death. Game check stations this fall show harvest down 71 percent from last year, and a 79 percent reduction in the long-term average.

The agency said deer numbers also fell because of the tough winter and epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, over the summer. White-tailed deer harvest is down 38 percent from the long-term average while mule deer harvest is down 46 percent.

"Hunters have reported seeing fewer deer for both species," Hemmer said. "The warmer, windy weather has also impacted hunter participation and success for deer hunters. White-tailed deer hunters have reported observing and harvesting a large number of fawns without does, which is likely a consequence of the EHD outbreak. There has also been a large number of mule deer harvested this year with their antlers still in velvet."

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease is spread by midges, tiny insects that pass infected blood from one animal to another. Deer with EHD often have their tongues hanging out and have lesions on their tongues. Their hooves often fall off and they eventually head to water because of high fever. The disease cannot be passed to humans or pets.

Meanwhile, duck harvest is up, Hemmer said. He said reports indicate that the wet weather has led to near-record numbers of waterfowl in Canada, so Montana hunters could have good hunting with the arrival of winter.

As for upland birds, harvest has been lower than last year and the long-term average, Hemmer said. Reports by hunters have been mixed. Pheasant hunters have reported seeing fewer birds. Some hunters have reported seeing more sharp-tailed grouse and Hungarian partridge while others say they haven't seen as many. Officials say the wet weather may have given the birds more vegetation where they can hide.

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