The Montana Outdoor Podcast explores hunting in Region 5, featuring insights from wildlife biologist Shawn Stewart. He highlights elk hunting challenges, deer population trends, and alarming bear behavior changes. The discussion also covers other game species and encourages hunters to stay informed about regulations and wildlife management.

South-central Montana's wildlife faces challenges as hunting season approaches. While mule deer fawn recruitment improved, populations remain low. Elk herds are stable but mostly reside on private lands. White-tailed deer numbers increased slightly, while pronghorn declined, prompting reduced license quotas. Hunters must also participate in mandatory CWD testing at designated check stations.