MT Mule Deer Unit 400

# MT 400 Tactical Analysis ## Terrain & Access Moderate elevation (2,554–3,763 ft) with sparse public land (13%)—most hunting will be on private ground requiring permission or an outfitter. Limited wilderness access means success depends heavily on landowner relationships and scouting capability. ## Population & Herd Health Regional mule deer populations in Region 7 have collapsed dramatically (114,000 in 2020 → 58,000 in 2022, a 52% decline). EHD, blue tongue, and CWD have compounded this decline. While recent record-book entries (2012–2016) from overlapping counties (Pondera, Chouteau, Toole) suggest the area *can* produce 180–190 class bucks, the decade trend shows trophy...