How many different mule deer habitats are there in Montana?
Five different types of mule deer habitat can be found in Montana each with unique weather patterns, vegetation, topography, and deer population characteristics. Mule deer management is organized around these five different types of habitat. Population objectives set for each habitat take into account the natural volatility of mule deer populations. Northwest Montane This habitat is mainly in a 140-mile radius around Kalispell in northwestern Montana. Topography varies from rugged mountainous terrain along the Continental Divide, including the Flathead, Swan and Mission ranges, to more gentle, smaller ranges such as the Salish Mountains. Climate over these 14,659 square miles is strongly influenced by the maritime effect of moisture-laden air from the Pacific Ocean. Precipitation varies between 20 and 32 inches, with more than half falling as snow. Mule deer densities today are generally low across forest areas, but deer may be found on rugged ridge systems and alpine peaks. Population
