Pronghorn are some of Montana’s most popular game animals to pursue, and their populations span much of the eastern two-thirds of the state and even some valleys in western Montana.

However, hard winters and droughts can have big impacts on populations and so from year to year the numbers can fluctuate some. A few years ago, a tough winter in central Montana took a toll on antelope numbers, but in many places, things are looking up. Particularly in part of eastern Montana where numbers are well above normal trends.

Population Monitoring and Licenses

In Montana, pronghorn licenses are drawn last because biologists wait until summer to do annual trend area surveys. History shows that summer gives managers the best idea of population numbers as fawns are on the ground and moving with the herds.

Like other species, biologists use trend areas to estimate population numbers. Summer survey flights directly influence the number of licenses issued in hunting districts across Montana. That’s why pronghorn licenses aren’t drawn until late July.

Eastern Montana numbers

In southeast Montana, pronghorn numbers across the region saw their highest counts since 2002, with 3,936 animals counted this summer. That’s a 34 percent increase above last year and 41 percent above the 10-year average. However, though numbers are encouraging, biologists had exceptional survey conditions this summer, which allowed more thorough surveys.

In northeast Montana, the trend was similar – exceptional survey conditions and excellent numbers. Across 15 survey units, biologists counted 3,989 pronghorn, which is up 43 percent over last year, and 33 percent above the 10-year average.

Pronghorn licenses numbers were increased in both regions to reflect the increase in populations.

The Rest of Montana

While pronghorn numbers are widely positive in eastern Montana, the rest of the state is variable depending on local conditions over the past few years. Many areas, like around Lewistown, Butte, Dillon, Bozeman, Great Falls and the southern Rocky Mountain Front, still have low numbers.

In places like the Livingston, Sheridan, the Judith River, White Sulphur and northern Rocky Mountain Front, numbers are stable or improving.