While overall numbers were up, the harvest statistics paint a very similar picture to that seen in years past. Region 7 continues to produce about 37 percent of the total filled tags statewide. Region 5 and Region 4 follow in line respectively, with 26 percent and 19 percent. Region 6 gave up about 11 percent of the total kill and Region 3 another 7 percent. Region 2 again produced roughly 13 animals.

The Web site location for the Montana DFWP is http://fwp.state.mt.us/default.html, where you can find license applications, regulations, draw statistics, harvest reports and other useful trip planning information. You may also contact state headquarters by calling (406) 444-2535.

NEW MEXICO
The secret to improved pronghorn populations in the Land of Enchantment is very similar to that found elsewhere -- just add water. According to Julie Cummings, wildlife biologist for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, they experienced additional rainfall last year and that can only help.

A review of harvest statistics for the 2003-'04 season (the most recent available) compared to those of the previous year reflected an overall increase in antelope harvest of just over 17 percent. Archery and muzzleloader hunters didn't do quite so well but rifle hunters more than made up the difference.

Total harvest for 2002-'03 was 2,744 pronghorns while 2003-'04 jumped up to 3,225. While we certainly don't want to say everything is hunky-dory, it is great news when things take a turn for the better. Anticipate high hunter success and comparable numbers this year.

The main office of New Mexico Department of Game and Fish can be called at 1-800-862-9310. You may also find their Web site at www.wildlife.state.nm.us/ where applications, unit maps, drawing odds and other information is available.

NEVADA
We have a tendency to take snapshots in time and gauge the health of our herds thereon. The most accurate picture, however, may come over time.

"We're pretty optimistic," explained Mike Cox of the Nevada Department of Wildlife. "We've had fairly steady pronghorn increases since 1993 when a nasty winter dropped the population to below 15,000 animals statewide. Last year we had about 18,500 antelope and we should have something in the 19,000 range this year."

As should be expected, some areas are making a stronger comeback while others are basically holding their own. Overall, the conservative approach to license issues has increased the potential for successful hunting.

"Hunter success continues to be around 80 percent," Cox said. "I don't recall any Boone & Crockett or Pope & Young records last year but we are seeing some nice bucks with B&C scores in the 80 range."

Some of the units holding the largest herds, and thus offering the most tags, include north Washoe County, Humboldt County and the eastern part of the state east of Ely. But large herds do not necessarily offer any better trophy potential.

"There are a lot of smaller unit groups that people overlook that offer a lot of great hunts," Cox said. "There simply is not a bad pronghorn unit in the state." He highly recommends taking advantage of the hunter information sheets offered on the Web site when making your hunt unit selections.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife Web site can be accessed at www.ndow.org, where you will find applications, regulations, draw results, harvest stats, hunter information sheets, links to guides and other helpful information. You may also contact their main office at (775) 688-1500.

UTAH
"There has been a little bit of improvement in the last year because of better fawn production," explained Jim Karpowitz, big-game coordinator for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. "But there will not be a big increase in permits."