Two bird hunters walk into a rancher’s pasture in Region 6 Montana. What happens next is a lesson every upland hunter needs to hear.

Northeast Montana's big game populations are recovering from recent challenges. Pronghorn numbers are thriving, while mule deer are rebounding with improved density and fawn survival. Elk populations, particularly in the Missouri River Breaks, have declined sharply, leading to reduced hunting licenses. White-tailed deer continue to struggle, but hunters may find better opportunities in prairie areas.