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HELENA- While a deadline change for some hunting permits means more prep time for some, it also means less time for the state to gather solid population data.

Hunting districts that require a special permit now have a March 15th application deadline instead of the usual June 1st, including bull elk and buck mule deer permits.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks changed the deadline to allow hunters more time to prepare for the Fall hunt, but the change still raises some concerns.

"The only concern that I really have is that the fish wildlife and park has enough time to analyze the deer population. Obviously there time has been shortened and they have to get that information out a lot quicker so I am concerned as too if they are going to get quality information in order to figure out the quota," Mule Deer Foundation Regional Director Marshall Johnson said.

Quotas and regulations will be finalized on February 16th. June 1st is still the deadline for all antelope, antler-less deer B and elk B tags.