MT Mule Deer Unit 540

# MT 540 Tactical Analysis **Terrain & Access** Unit 540 spans 4,179–8,257 ft elevation across ~374k acres with only 34% public land, making access moderate to challenging. Terrain likely transitions from lower-elevation grassland to mid-elevation forest; prepare for mixed hunting conditions across elevation bands. **Herd Status & Population** Regional mule deer populations in Montana's Region 7 (which includes this unit) faced severe decline: 114,000 deer in 2020 dropped to 58,000 by 2022—a 52% collapse. Disease pressure (EHD, Blue Tongue, CWD) continues to impact eastern Montana. Trophy quality has suffered during this contraction. No recent herd survey data (bull:doe ratios, management...