Montana Deer 2011 - how bad is it?

[DeerThug]

We have been thinking of a Montana deer hunt this year.  Been hearing about the bad winter kill in the eastern part of Mont.  Anyone have any recon or relatives over there?  Trying to gather some info before we pull the trigger on the tags.  Also was there any winterkill in the central part of the state.  Been told just northeast of Missoula is a decent deer hunt.

Any info appreciated...

[bow-n-head]

About 1/2 of the state has had 50-70 inches of snow so far. We have also had 30 to 40 below zero for a couple of weeks. Chinook Montana was the cold spot in the nation for a week. I don't know, I would guess it is going to have an impact on the critters.

[Bigshooter]

I think it's still to early to say how bad it is.  The worst time for die offs is suppose to be in the spring.  So if it hasn't warmed up by then and/or they have some late snow with cold weather I won't worry to much.

[muleyguy]

http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/article_ee95cd1c-83df-54e9-ae37-02b1a243c8af.html

http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/fishAndWildlife/nr_0213.html

http://billingsgazette.com/lifestyles/recreation/article_9acf103f-78f1-57d0-adc6-520e08a19183.html

[DeerThug]

Thanks - had already read one of these articles.  Montana is a big state, that is why I was thinking middle of the state might be a better bet.  With the raise in tag fees and this bad news, might be a good year to get drawn.

[SquirrelHunter]

Have the tag aps come out yet? Ive been watching and havent seen them yet. I hunt with my brother every year near billings. Hope to get a Buck and Pronghorn tag this year.

[YoterHunter]

ive had mine for at least 3 to 4 weeks now. you can always run a copy from there web sight.

[DeerThug]

yeah the apps are out, but i am waiting till the last minute to drop the dime

[RightPlace-RightTime]

I was told last year was going to be really bad over there.  I even called the biologist over there to.  I was told it was going to be really bad.  It was the best year out the the 4 times i have been there.  Seen alot of big bucks,  Seen alot taken out of there, Our camp got some nice ones including me.  Look on my recent post to see the pics of our trip.

Im putting in again.

I would put in and go hunt hard.

[DeerThug]

Not sure how to find your post...  will keep trying.

[Hot Lunch]

I got some reports from this fall, and the word I heard was the buck to doe ratio is out of control. Does everywhere piss bucks here and there and big bucks were hard to find. I'm not sure I would be to concerned about winterkill with the amount of mule deer that state has right now.

[SquirrelHunter]

DeerThug: Are the online aps out? Ive looked and the only thing that comes up on the page when i enter all my info is combo tags. All I want to apply for is deer A and Antelope.