McKean had two other comments that are important to keep in mind for this season. "We're seeing a strange trend in hunt violations," he said. "Hunters come here from elsewhere and have a valid tag for Region 7, but end up hunting in other regions." Sportsmen need to be aware that this will get them a ticket. Know your areas and hunt accordingly.

His other concern is the prevalence of road hunting in recent years. "I just don't understand this from either the ethical standpoint or that of hunt satisfaction," McKean said. "Antelope are the most fun to hunt by stalking. Not only is road hunting a crime, but it is also a shame."

The MDFWP Web site is at http://fwp.state.mt.us/default.html, where you can find license applications, regulations, draw statistics, harvest reports and other useful trip-planning information. Dial the state headquarters at (406) 444-2535.

NEVADA
Chris Healy, public information officer for the Nevada Department of Wildlife, set the tone. "Last year was a good year for hunters and antelope herds," he said. "We're pretty happy with the way things have been going. Nevada has more antelope to hunt in more areas than we've ever had in modern times. Everybody is excited!"

Big-game biologist Mike Cox agrees. "Our population estimate in 1985 was 12,000," he explained. "Fawn ratios have been good and slowly increasing each year over the last five years. The 2005 population estimate was 20,000, the highest estimate since 1970."

Those areas experiencing the highest herd growth rates are in western Elko County and northern Washoe County. Pershing County has also enjoyed consistent moderate growth.

"Units 041 and 042 contain marginal habitat," Cox said. "Ten years ago, the herd estimate was 600. In 2006 it will be over 1,200 animals, and that's amazing!"

All the stars are beginning to line up in the Sagebrush State, and there are good predictions for this season.

"Other than spring and early summer for production, the key for the 2006 buck harvest is the recruitment of fawns four and five years ago. Fawn production in 2001 was slightly above the long-term average, and these are (now) going to be the trophy bucks. How big they are is dependent upon moisture."

Cox explained that the largest Boone and Crockett-qualifying bucks continue to be taken from units north of Reno to the Oregon state line, such as Units 011, 012 to 014, 021, 022 and 033.

"We had two bucks that scored over 86 B&C in 2005 and several that scored over 80. We are also seeing strong growth and great bucks with scores in the mid-80s coming from unit group 041, 042."

Some of the largest pronghorn populations are in western Elko County and northern White Pine County, but large populations don't always equate to large horns because age, structure and genetics may be lacking.

"These areas certainly provide the opportunity to harvest a 78- to 80-class buck," Cox said. "But I would not apply for these units, thinking you're going to harvest an 82 B&C buck or larger."

Humboldt County unit groups 031 to 035 also continue to provide a large number of tags and great hunts, but while plenty of nice respectable bucks can be found here, the area doesn't necessarily produce huge bucks.