It was a strange year in MT as well. In an area where there are consistently 5-10 herds starting with the opener, there was only one as of last week. I talked with three game wardens that confirmed they only witnessed the single herd and hadn't seen or heard of any other shot.
I contribute most of it to the weather, warmer temps during the day and not much snow. It would get cold some nights, but then back in the 40s and sunny during the day.
Deer were abundant, but the elk must still be up high.