Things are looking up for Montana antelope with populations continuing to recover from previous years' winter mortality and reduced recruitment in central and eastern Montana.
This year, there are even a few more special licenses available reflecting that reduced but improving status.
Successful antelope license applicants may recognize increased fawn production in many areas as populations respond to generally favorable weather and habitat conditions in 2014.
Montana's antelope archery season will close Oct. 10 and the general rifle season for antelope will run Oct. 11-Nov. 9.
For more information on antelope hunting in Montana, visit FWP's website at www.fwp.mt.gov, click "Hunting" then click Hunting Guide.
Here's a regional rundown on what antelope hunters can expect this year.

Region 2-Western Montana
Pronghorn distribution is centered in the Deer Lodge area and few licenses are issued to conserve this island population.

Region 3-Southwestern Montana
In the far western part of the region, populations are above long-term averages in the Ruby-Blacktail area and the Centennial Valley, but below their long-term average in the Tobacco Roots. To the south, near Dillon, antelope numbers are stable to increasing, but access to antelope in areas may be difficult. Antelope numbers are also up in hunting district 341, the Highlands. Meanwhile, in the central part of the region, Townsend area antelope numbers appear to be generally down or stable, but fawn production was fairly good this year. Antelope are stable in the upper Madison, but below objective in the lower Madison and Horseshoe Hills. To the east, antelope numbers are up substantially east and south of Livingston, but numbers remain below average in the Shields. Antelope are generally concentrating around wet and green areas in all hunting districts.

Region 4-Central Montana
Antelope numbers are still recovering from recent harsh winters. For hunters this is once again reflected in FWP issuing fewer doe-fawn tags.

Region 5 - South Central Montana
Antelope numbers throughout south central Montana are stable to increasing from the past couple of years. Fawn production increased dramatically in the spring of 2014 and should result in hunters seeing more antelope than last year. In areas impacted by bluetongue in 2008, population numbers remain below average, but are increasing.

Region 6-Northeastern Montana
While on the rebound from recent severe winters, lower harvest quotas are expected as pronghorn populations recover.

Region 7-Southeastern Montana
Recent population surveys across Region 7 indicate that antelope populations are recovering but remain well below long-term averages. Numbers were very similar to last year, which were 50 percent below long term average and 66 percent below the 10 year peak count that occurred in 2006. Populations are rebounding nicely in the southern portion of the region, but seem to be struggling in the northern portion. Hunter success rates measured at the Broadus Check Station have equaled 72 percent each of the past two years and similar rates are expected again this year. FWP recommends that hunters head to the southern portion of the region to hunt antelope this fall.