deer population by state 2021
Have some feedback for us? Arizona is home to two main types of deer, the mule deer and the white-tailed deer. The DNR estimated 574,000 hunters spent 8.7 million days afield during the 2017 deer season, and harvested 376,000 deer for a nearly 50% success rate. . North Carolina's major efforts to restore our state's deer resource took place in the 1940s through the 1970s. Since then, the introduction of white-tailed deer, habitat protection, and controlled hunting have allowed the deer to thrive again. Idaho Fish & Game: Deer Hunting information. The FWC is working to reduce the risk of CWD spreading into this state with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, hunters, captive cervid owners, landowners, and the public. Deer friendly reports a white-tailed deer population of 72,900 in 2019 based on hunting data. Mule deer population trends are of concern in Montana, where declines in abundance and hunter harvest have been documented in many areas throughout the state. The main noticeable difference between the mule deer and the white-tailed deer are ear size, tails, and antlers. They are accurate to the best of our knowledge. The White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is the most popular game species in Misissippi.Nationally, the white-tailed deer population likely exceeds 30 million. When I go for my daily runs I often see herds of elk, deer, and bald eagles. The Kansas DWP reports that white tailed numbers have increased dramatically in the last 20 years. In the April 2020 state wildlife report, estimates put the elk population in the Black Hills at approximately 6,000 - 8,000, and the population in Custer State Park at approximately 460. Washington: 305,000. The North Carolina Wildlife Commission estimated the white-tailed deer population in the state to be around 1 million. Iowas first conservation law came around in 1856, restricting what time of year deer could be hunted. Wolves and mountain lions, their natural predators, no longer live in the state. Rhode Island only has 18,000 deer and Delaware comes in at 45,000. It has around 100,000 white-tail deer, 100,000 mule deer, 100,000 black-tail deer, and more than 5,000 Columbian white-tail deer. Deer where nearly extirpated from the state by the early 1900s, with only a few thousand left in remote pockets. 2021 seemed to show a higher-than-usual occurrence of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), but at the time of writing this article is is unclear if it will significantly impact the states overall deer population. . In the 1800s, however, several Axis deer from India were sent to Hawaii. How many deer live in the United States? Their successful strategy has brought the estimated deer population today to about 500,000. Thank you for reading! There are no western states with over a million deer. For our population numbers, we relied on official numbers from each states Fish and Wildlife Department, Department of Natural Resources, or another appropriate source. While overall population is down from the peak years of the mid to late 1990s, density of deer still remains a problem in many suburban parts of the state. Nebraska is another state that is home to both white-tailed and mule . Deer are popular among hunters and wildlife watchers. This study from 2020 says that while imprecise, their best estimate is 333,000 346,000 black tailed deer live across Alaska. According to this article in the Des Moines Register, the states estimate for whitetail deer population in 2020 was 445,000. However, in West Virginia, drivers had the highest likelihood of hitting an animal. You can find blacktail deer in western Oregon, whitetail deer in northeastern Oregon and mule deer east of the Cascade range. According to Colorado Parks & Wildlife, the deer and elk meat industry begun in Colorado as early as 1880. It is estimated by 1925 only about 400 deer remained. Finally, Maine's deer population grew prolifically through the 1990's as a result of the regulatory system that limited doe harvest, plus a series of mild winters. According to data from State Farm, U.S. drivers had 1.9 million animal collision insurance claims in the U.S. between July 2021 and June 2022, down 5.5 percent from the same period a year ago. Potential Deer Population Growth in 10 Years. Wyoming is home to 70,000 white-tail deer and about 330,000 mule deer. Delawares White-Tailed Deer: Hunting and Management. She grew up in rural Pennsylvania where you can regularly encounter anything from elk to black bears to river otters. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Spring Spotlight Survey Results, 2022 In 1960, there were 22 deer management areas and most deer seasons were only 2 to 4 weeks, with the longest at 56 days. 4382 WMAs. Strict measure were taken to improve this, including closing all hunting for many years, restocking from other states, and cracking down on enforcing regulations. The longest known mule deer migration occurs in Wyoming where deer travel 150 miles from the Red Desert to the mountain slopes around the Hoback Basin. Colorados white-tailed deer mostly live in the eastern and central mountain areas. Found in forests as well as the suburbs, deer are often thought to have spiritual meaning and can bring nature close to home since they are often seen in backyards and neighborhoods. 15 SOAs. Damage to landscape overpopulation of deer in the suburbs makes them more and more apt to use your flower beds and gardens as a snack station. In Vermont they also prefer the valley areas that have a mix of forest and fields. Fall deer densities [PDF] in 2018 varied from 4 to 80 deer per square mile of land area. Sika deer are native to Japan, but a small herd of them was introduced to the wild from a private farm. During the past deer season, 191,731 deer were reported killed by deer hunters in Virginia. In fact the 2020-21 hunting season is reported as one of Ohios most successful with 197,735 deer harvested. Recently the state has been increasing their any-deer (does or bucks) permits in an effort to bring down the population due to complains about too many deer and high levels of Lyme disease in certain areas. Take a look! Also the growth of suburbs that broke up large swaths of forested land into smaller chunks actually benefited the deer. When Europeans first came to America, they found deer a plentiful resource in most states. In 2021, the state launched a new initiative to enhance populations of mule deer and white-tailed deer. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Most of these are mule deer. Iowa's most recent . That brings us to the topic of this article, where we will dive into what the deer population is in each U.S. state, and which types of deer you can find there. Each year, DNR compiles county-level deer data across Indiana. Deer populations are actually higher than they were historically in many areas, or they are at the point of exceeding the carrying capacity of their local environment. Studies of mule deer populations have shown that they have been recorded as eating nearly 800 different plant species. Hunters harvested 168,427 deer during the 2021-22 season; a robust number indicative of a strong population. At that time, many state wildlife agencies were formed with the goal of conserving the nation's depleted wildlife resources. Vermont has more deer hunters than any other New England state. I could not find a specific estimate for the smaller white-tailed deer population. Since at least 1962, WRD has used scientifically valid, survey methodology to get estimates of not only deer harvest, but also harvest estimates of other game species. Deer Harvest Map. Based on hunting data the white-tailed deer population in 2017 was about 135,000. White-tailed deer dominate Texas, being found in 252 out of 254 counties across the state with an estimated population of 5.3 million. Habitat loss, decrease in forgeable food and hunting brought species to the brink by the early 1900s. The process is outlined in detail in Appendix 2 of our Management Plan for White-tailed deer in New York State: 2021-2030 (PDF). They also said that a significant portion of that population was found in east Tennessee. This total included 95,665 antlered bucks, 12,219 button bucks, and 83,847 does (44% females). Engage with us in 2023. Learn more. Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife: hunting rules and regulations. The Columbian white-tail is a rare species named after the Columbia River. They seem to be everywhere, but how populous are they? The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources estimated Utah's deer population at about 384,000 in 2015. Missouri Department of Conservation: deer hunting regulations. Deer overpopulation causes habitat destruction, crop damage, vehicle collisions and disease all of which threatens the long-term survival of white-tailed deer in Wisconsin. Biologists believe a new framework for deer management is in order, and one that takes into account the ecological capacity of the current ecosystem. Deer management units with the highest fall densities were mostly in the east-central, south-central and southwestern parts of the state. Today, the population sits around 660,000. develop estimates of deer density across the state. There is some concern that in the long run, they may outcompete the native mule deer. They may occasionally eat small animals like mice or birds, but it isnt very common. The most recent data I could find for white-tailed deer reported around 300,000 in 2016. This represents a 2.4 percent increase in harvest from 2019 (193,073) and is 38 percent below the record harvest established in 2002 (319,902). 10 Black Snakes in Georgia (With Pictures), 16 Species of Bats in Texas (With Pictures), Black Bear Population by State (Recent Reports), Mountain Lion Population (In Each U.S. State), Moose Population by State (Estimates and Info), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Maryland white-tailed deer management plan, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks site, 2017-2023 South Dakota white-tailed and mule deer management plan, 2021 Range-Wide Status of Black-tailed and Mule Deer, 12 Types of Animals With a Long Tail (with Pictures), 6 Types of Water Snakes in Illinois (Pictures), 460,420 (black-tailed and mule deer combined), 427,500 (combined white-tail and mule deer), central to eastern Canada, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, New England and Nova Scotia, Key deer / Florida Keys white-tailed deer, Florida keys, mainly from Sugarloaf Key to Bahia Honda Key, Coues white-tailed deer / Arizona white-tailed deer / fantail deer, Arizona and parts of New Mexico into Mexico, Dakota white-tailed deer / northern plains white-tailed deer, western and central Canada, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, North & South Dakota and western Minnesota, Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County South Carolina, south-central Oregon and southern Washington/northern Oregon border, U.S. central plains including Texas panhandle, parts of New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska, Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge, McIntosh county Georgia, Rocky Mountains white-tailed deer / northwestern white-tailed deer, western Canada and northern Rocky Mountains, Gulf coast of Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida, Virginia white-tailed deer / southern white-tailed deer, Pacific Northwest and northern California, southeastern coastal Alaska, south central Alaska, coastal British Columbia, California mule deer (Westside of Sierra Nevada down to south coast), Desert/burro mule deer (southwest California, northwest Mexico and Arizona), Southern mule deer (Southernmost California and Baja California), Rocky Mountain mule deer (Northwest California, western and central North America), Inyo mule deer (Sierra Nevada, California). Mule deer are native to the state, and the white-tailed deer were introduced by Idaho Fish & Game in the 1950s to present more hunting opportunities. Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries: Deer Research, Management and Reports. They theorize habitat change, two decades of aggressive antlerless deer harvest, and the complete colonization of the state by coyotes and their impact on fawn survival as possible causes. Arizona Game & Fish: deer hunting rules and regulations. Hunters in Region B the remainder of the state harvested 62,916 deer, down 13% from 72,346 . 5) South Dakota: Deer population around 300,000. Because of this permits and licenses are becoming more flexible opening up new opportunities for the states hunters. The Coues deer are most commonly found in the southeastern mountains but also up through the Mogollon Rim and White Mountains. These experiments demonstrate the tremendous capacity for deer population growth when occupying good habitat. DEC determines desired deer population changes using data on public preferences and deer impacts to forests. They have made most of this information available online at Minnesota DNR Deer Populations & Goals. Texas is home to around 225,000 mule deer and millions of white-tail deer. Late spring to fall, they consume grasses, blackberries, apples, fireweed, pearly everlasting, forbs, salmonberry, salal, and maple. Their tail is thinner than the white-tailed deer, with a distinctive black tip at the bottom. New Hampshire's Fish and Game Department says human feeding has damaged its deer populations. Many animals, such as songbirds, rely on this understory habitat. They are small deer with fully grown males rarely weighing over 100 pounds. Generally cloudy. Thank you for reading! Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife: White-tailed deer in Maine. Deer rely on young forest and forest edge habitat. They are adaptable to a wide range of climate conditions. The states Department of Natural Resources says these deer are abundant in every county and habitat of West Virginia. Sounds good for hunters, but populations this high can be problematic. Both species were introduced to Hawaii, but they have not damaged Hawaiis native ecosystems. Maryland Department of Natural Resources: hunting in Maryland. Each year CDFW biologists estimate the deer population in California using a computer model that uses harvest numbers along with survey data. They are herbivores who eat what is seasonally available. The overall size, length, and branches on antlers depends on how well-fed the deer is, how old it is, and some is just genetics. When alarmed, white-tailed deer will raise their tail straight up, flashing the white. According to the Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937, most of the state conservation efforts are funded through hunting and fishing license sales and firearms sales. Black-tailed deer in their native Pacific northwest range live in dense coastal rainforest and semi-open habitats including riparian forest (along river banks) and areas of tangled shrubs and thicket. Trying to figure out their population in the state is challenging due to the remote and densely forested areas where they live. New Mexicos game & fish page states that while poor conditions in the early 2000s suppressed deer numbers, things have since improved and today populations are stable with most experiencing growth. 20+ Foods, Discover The Largest Whitetail Deer Ever Recorded, The 4 Best Deer Repellents: Reviewed and Ranked, How and Where Do Deer Sleep? While populations still continue to fluctuate due to habitat loss, weather, disease and other factors, it remains in the hundreds of thousands. Fortunately, the early to mid 1900s is when most management programs began to try and reverse this population loss. The rest are mule deer. February 07, 2022. Whereas the size of white-tailed deer can vary greatly, mule deer dont show as much of a difference across their range. The more recent 2021 mule deer survey (linked at bottom of article) lists about 80,600 mule deer. They are most populous on the western Great Plains, in the Rocky Mountains, the southwestern states, and on the west coast of North America. Wildlife biologists suggest developing softwood, nut-bearing habitats as a better alternative to human feeding. Lets find out. Deer prefer forested areas where they can find vegetation to eat. If you do plant deer favorites (fruit trees, sunflowers, peas, lettuce, tulips, hosta, berry bushes), do so strategically. The top of their tail is brown, but the underside is very fluffy and white. There are nearly 2,000 different species! Wyoming Game & Fish Department: Deer Hunting. COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio's 2021-22 deer hunting season concluded Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022, with 196,988 deer checked, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The most recent number listed on the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks site estimates 1.75 million white-tailed deer in the state. Hunters in southwest Michigan will be able to use a firearm from Nov. 15, 2020, through Jan. 1, 2021, except for Dec. 1-3. . New Mexico is home to mule deer, Coue deer, and Texas white-tails. As any gardener knows, deer also eat fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Ohio Department of Natural Resources: hunting and trapping regulations. The Illinois Division of Wildlife Resources says deer are an important part of the states economy. For both species females are smaller than the males. Arkansas nearly lost its deer population. Factors causing deer populations to grow in recent years include expansion of homes into rural areas that are hospitable for deer but are not suitable for hunting. Kyle Sams, a deer program biologist, says the population models still show an upward trend and favorable growth rate that will allow the number of deer harvested to continue to increase. Colorado Parks & Wildlife: Big Game Hunting. Those areas where populations are rapidly increasing are typically urban/suburban areas where the utilization of hunting as a management tool has been greatly hindered. Areas included in this final year of goal setting are the East Central Uplands block ( DPAs 52, 155, 156, 157, 159, 172, 183 . Indiana Department of Natural Resources: White-tailed Deer History & Biology. Like many other states, deer and other large game in Iowa was hunted to near extinction by the early 1800s. Thing have come a long way from the first post-conservation deer estimate of 500-700 deer in 1936. Read more about white-tailed deer in Michigan at Michigan.gov. They are also an important food source for the endangered Florida panther. 2021-2023 Deer Population Objectives. 2) Oklahoma: Deer population around 500,000. Arizona has a small population of whitetails, though they tend to prefer areas with more vegetation. These deer live on a series of islands along the river. This includes during the winter and early spring, they feed on Douglas fir, western red cedar, red huckleberry, salal, deer fern, and lichens growing on trees. Current Management. According to this article current estimates are about 40,000 60,000 on Molokai, 20,000 on Lanai and 30,000 50,000 on Maui. Like many states, Oklahoma had nearly lost all its deer by the early 1900s. Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department: white-tailed deer hunting information. The state reports that in areas where hunting is allowed and accessible, deer numbers are well balanced. Nebraska. Texas has the highest deer population, 5.5 million! In Mississippi, the deer herd is estimated at 1.75 million animals, which is higher on a deer-per-unit-area basis (density) than any other state, and only Texas has a greater number of deer. White tailed deer are found throughout the state, with the highest numbers in eastern half. The TWRA page states that the deer population has expanded from just a few counties in eastern Tennessee during the 1940s to being present in all 95 counties state-wide today. According to the states department of fish and wildlife, since the early 90s the deer population has stayed between 400,000 and just under 700,000. If the deer population gets too large, it can damage forest growth and destroy native vegetation. . With laws enacted and amount of farmed land decreasing, deer began to rebound. Wildlife managers are tasked with the difficult mission of maintaining or recovering deer populations, dampening the magnitude of potential future declines, and stabilizing hunter . Deer are thriving in the states forested areas. Deer hunting has become a major industry in Alabama, the state has 33 wildlife management areas totaling over 700,000 acres where white-tailed deer can be hunted with a permit. Put up a fence but it has to be tall. I could not find an exact count that was more recent, however based on estimated deer harvest numbers the total population in Florida as of 2019 may be closer to 550,000. Sitka overall have a darker coat than the Columbian. For instance, in farmland management zones, harvesting approximately 25% of the . When too many deer are in one environment, they can be a detriment by not allowing plants to grow to maturity or even completely wiping out a species of plant from an ecosystem. This includes flowers, grass, tree and shrub fruits, nuts, acorns, berries and lichen. Although we think of deer as a forest animal, they also thrive in Floridas swampy coastal regions. So what are the problems that come with too many deer? However the Alaska Department of Fish and Game says that they are both crossing the border with Canada and starting to colonize. This time the population grew to 212 deer in only 6 years. Focus on plants that arent as attractive to deer (marigold, verbena, snapdragon, butterfly bush, boxwood, juniper, bee balm). Body. Things began to turn around when state refuges were created and periodic deer stocking occurred. A popular game animal, it is so iconic to American forests that it has been named the official mammal of several states. The reader should bear in mind that many . While statewide estimates are gained mainly through harvest data, in 2021 a thermal imaging drone was flown over Arlington in efforts to gain more accurate data.
deer population by state 2021