Northeast Montana Havre check station results for the 2021 Season

Data reports record numbers of hunters and harvested mule deer

 

December 8, 2021



The final results are in from the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Havre check station for the 2021 hunting season. The check station was open for eight weekends from Oct. 9 (the open of general antelope) through Nov. 28 (the end of the deer/elk general season). Overall, hunter numbers and mule deer harvest were well above average.

Biologists gather a lot of valuable information and biological data on game animals brought through check stations. FWP appreciates all hunters’ cooperation in this effort. Note that the harvest data described below includes only animals that were brought through the Havre check station and is only a partial representation of the region-wide harvest.

Hunter numbers (2,105) were up 16% from 2020, 24% above the long-term average, and the highest number seen since 2010.

“The weather this fall has been drier and warmer than normal,” noted Havre-area biologist Scott Hemmer, who manages the station. “Unlike past years, there were no periods where the weather or muddy roads appeared to be a significant obstacle to hunter participation.”


“The near record number of hunters in the field this year was noticed and commented on by many hunters passing through the check station,” added Hemmer.

Mule deer harvest totaled 841 for the year, which was up 7% from last year and 60% above the long-term average.

“Overall, hunter reports of total mule deer numbers were good this year,” added Hemmer. “In fact, for the second year in a row, we had highest number of mule deer ever checked.”

For the year, 138 white-tailed deer were brought by the station, which was 7% lower than 2020, and 10% below the long-term average.


“There was an epizootic hemorrhagic disease outbreak on the eastern portion of the region this year, and the number of antlerless B-licenses were subsequently reduced,” said Hemmer.

Antelope harvest, whose general season ended on Nov. 14, saw the highest numbers since 2010 but was still 24% below the long-term average. 193 antelope were brought by the check station this year.

“Antelope populations and license quotas in many districts have both been on an upward trend but are still below the long-term average in some hunting districts due in part to several severe winters in the last 10 years,” said Hemmer.

For the year, 39 elk were recorded, which is just above last year and right at the long-term average.


For the eight weeks that the check station was open, the pheasant harvest of 479 birds is slightly above last year (3%), but still well below the long-term average (-38%). Sharp-tailed grouse (185 birds) harvest was well above last year’s total, and 53% above the long-term average. Hungarian partridge harvest (78) was also well above last year and 35% above of the long-term average.

“Upland bird hunter reports this year have been mixed, with better reports on the eastern end of the region,” noted Hemmer. “The drought conditions have led to patchy habitat conditions and bird distribution.”

FWP Region 6 thanks all hunters for stopping by the check station.

“Overall, it appeared to be a successful season for hunters this year,” said Hemmer. “We sure appreciate and enjoy visiting with the hunters that come by the check station, and it’s great to hear stories about a successful hunt. Thanks for stopping by!”

2021 Havre Check Station Harvest Summary

Total % Change % Change

2020 Harvest Long-term

Average

Antelope 193 18% -24%

Mule Deer 841 7% 60%

White-tailed Deer 138 -7% -10%

Elk 39 5% -1%

Pheasant 479 3% -38%

Sharp-tailed Grouse. 185 91% 53%

Hungarian Partridge. 78 152% 35%

Ducks 97 31% 74%

Hunters 2105 16% 24%

 
 

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