Antelope quota ranges allow for biologists to tailor license numbers to herd health

HELENA – Two weeks ago, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ biologists were busy flying over Montana’s prairies counting pronghorn, or antelope. This week antelope licenses were drawn for the upcoming hunting season. These two circumstances are directly related and demonstrate how work on the ground directly affects hunters and the opportunities they have each fall.

First, it’s important to set the stage.

Every two years, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission establishes a quota range for most species of game animals, including antelope. This range is based on recommendations from FWP biologist...