Deer in decline: Why Montana is proposing big changes to hunting regulations

<p>Thirty-one years ago, 1,321 mule deer were shot by hunters in Hunting District 502 — a record high.</p> <p>In 2021, the total mule deer harvest in HD 502 was 477. </p> <p>There are a number of hunting regulations being proposed for big game species in Montana that the Fish and Wildlife Commission has on its Dec. 14 meeting agenda.</p> <p>Anyone interested in their hunting district or region should check out the online information to be informed about what is going on. Ideally, most hunters have already taken part in one of the many meetings offered around the state. </p> <p>In looking at the proposals before the commission, Billings Gazette outdoor editor Brett French noted one common theme popping up across the state, declining mule deer numbers.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>