A 2019 study by the South Carolina department of natural resources estimated the white-tailed deer population in the state to be about 730,000. Fortunately, the early to mid 1900s is when most management programs began to try and reverse this population loss. So what are the problems that come with too many deer? If you see a sick or abnormally thin deer or deer dead of unknown causes, please report its location to the CWD hotline: (866) CWD-WATCH (293-9282) . Population expansion is expected at about 1-2% each year in the near future, how some areas of middle and west Tennessee may be trying to lower the deer numbers to a more manageable level. Areas included in this final year of goal setting are the East Central Uplands block ( DPAs 52, 155, 156, 157, 159, 172, 183 . A separate mule deer survey put the mule deer population in 2021 at 53,400, so it would appear the large majority of deer in Kansas are white-tailed. However world-wide there are 26 known subspecies, with 17 of those occurring in the U.S. Their successful strategy has brought the estimated deer population today to about 500,000. Mule deer are primarily found in the badlands alongside the Little Missouri River. Habitat, not predators, is the major factor determining mule deer numbers in Nevada. Deer are thriving in all parts of the state. Also the growth of suburbs that broke up large swaths of forested land into smaller chunks actually benefited the deer. However, the abundance of deer in many parts of the state is causing increasing problems, particularly in suburban and urban areas. Alabama: 25 deer per square mile. 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. There is a really nice timeline of events affecting the deer on the states history of deer management page. Mule deer are found in the western third of the state, mainly in the High Plains, Smoky Hills and Red Hills regions. However, in West Virginia, drivers had the highest likelihood of hitting an animal. However in parts of their range, populations have adapted to prairie and savanna land (such as Texas, Arizona and Mexico), tropical or subtropical forests in Central America, and mountain grassland in the Andes of South America. Nebraska is another state that is home to both white-tailed and mule deer. 2021's deer season in Kentucky exceeded already high numbers coming out of the pandemic-affected 2020 . In 2021, the state launched a new initiative to enhance populations of mule deer and white-tailed deer. When resources are scarce, they will eat insects and small animals. It also has a small but healthy population of sika deer (Cervus nippon yakushimae) They are not native to the state, but they were released into the wild from a private farm. Emily is an editor and content marketing specialist of five years. The good news seems to be that the white-tailed deer numbers have recovered from the hit they took in 2012-2013 from a bad outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD). Today its hard to image they werent always so abundant. Idaho Fish & Game: Deer Hunting information. White-tailed deer can be found throughout the state while mule deer are mainly found around and to the west of the Missouri River breaks. State Farm says in any state, the risk of hitting a deer doubles in the fall, when the animals are mating. White-tailed deer are an important game animal in the state. Things began to turn around when state refuges were created and periodic deer stocking occurred. Once present in only a few counties, they are now abundant in each of the states 95 counties. Colorado Parks & Wildlife: Big Game Hunting. The first game laws restricting hunting went into effect in 1853. This total included 95,665 antlered bucks, 12,219 button bucks, and 83,847 does (44% females). The largest deer are often found along the northern portions of their range, while the tiny Key Deer of Florida barely make it to 100 pounds. Delaware hunters registered a record 17,265 harvested deer during the 2020/21 hunting season with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, surpassing the previous record harvest of 16,969 deer set last year during the 2019/20 hunting season. State/Province Updates: Moderator: Sara Holm: 1:00-1:10 PM: California Deer and Elk Status Update: . The states fish and game page describes mule deer as boom and bust, meaning their populations can vary quite a bit year to year based on environmental conditions such as drought. Currently about 110,000 deer are harvested each year in the state. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources: hunting in Utah. During the past deer season, 209,356 deer were reported killed by deer hunters in Virginia (Figure 1). Deer harvests began to increase again in 2016, possibly due to coyote densities declining. According to this article, the DNREC estimated the deer population at the start of the 2020-21 season at 45,000 white-tailed deer. North Dakota is home to both white-tailed and mule deer. Maryland also has a population of sika deer. You can find blacktail deer in western Oregon, whitetail deer in northeastern Oregon and mule deer east of the Cascade range. They are classic forest creatures who feature in wilderness stories and artwork. Each year CDFW biologists estimate the deer population in California using a computer model that uses harvest numbers along with survey data. Like most deer, black-tail browse on what vegetation is available in each season. On average in North America, males weigh 121 331 pounds and females weigh 95 198 pounds. The main deer population in Utah is mule deer, with a 2021 estimate of 314,850. 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. Hunters harvested 168,427 deer during the 2021-22 season; a robust number indicative of a strong population. Recent field studies from southeastern United States have . Our mission at Wildlife Informer is to share free information and pictures of wildlife with our readers. However they are not out of the woods with continued habitat loss and disease (such as the 2017 screwworm epidemic that killed a large portion of male Key deer) threatening their numbers. Archery (including crossbows) accounted for 14% of the deer kill; muzzleloaders, 23%; and firearms, 63%. The distribution of hunted deer is about 60% mule deer and 40% Coues deer. Michigan State University Extension . A popular game animal, it is so iconic to American forests that it has been named the official mammal of several states. I live in the Pacific Northwest and am surrounded by nature. White-tailed deer are classified as the species Odocoileus virginianus, the Virginia white-tailed deer. develop estimates of deer density across the state. It is estimated that only 10,000 deer inhabited the state in 1900. In some areas, state wildlife officials have increased the number of hunting permits to help bring down deer populations. During this time, Maine's deer population grew to an estimated all time high of 331,000, however, much of the growth occurred within the southern tier of the state. The white-tailed deer is the states only native deer and is Illinoiss state mammal. On average in North America, males weigh 150-300 pounds and females weigh 88 198 pounds. However the Alaska Department of Fish and Game says that they are both crossing the border with Canada and starting to colonize. This may seem small compared to the 10.1 million people living in Georgia, but it does not account for an accurate number of deer in urban areas. Currently, the estimated deer population in Georgia is 1.27 million. California Department Fish and Wildlife: Deer Harvest Requirements. The mule deer working group lists the 2021 population in the badlands at 21,000. While the white-tailed deer more or less stop east of the Rocky Mountains, the mule deer take over west of the Rockies. 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. Market hunting decimated the states population by the late 1800s. Hunters in Region B the remainder of the state harvested 62,916 deer, down 13% from 72,346 . In the 1800s, however, several Axis deer from India were sent to Hawaii. but is also indicative that the deer population is trending toward a population level that reduces damage to agriculture and minimizes impacts on our natural communities. Which states have the most white-tail deer? Today Arkansas enjoys plenty of deer, with a 2020 estimate of 900,000 white-tailed deer. For example, in 2016, Wisconsin had an estimated deer population of 1.3 million, while Texas had an estimated deer population of 4 million. The Wyoming Fish & Game Department notes, Many hunters choose where they hunt deer based on the type of terrain and scenery they want to experience in Wyoming.. Columbia Black-tailed deer (Northern California and Pacific Northwest). Many animals, such as songbirds, rely on this understory habitat. 2021 data shows an estimated mule deer population of about 84,000 90,000 in Nevada. The following population estimates were taken from state government websites and other authoritative sources. The sika deer population is mainly found along coastal regions and is much lower than the white-tailed deer. Also, their numbers can fluctuate quite a bit based on how severe the winters are from year to year. Predation and Deer Population. But things got worse. Focus on plants that arent as attractive to deer (marigold, verbena, snapdragon, butterfly bush, boxwood, juniper, bee balm). We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. It also has about 320,000 black-tail deer, and the rest are mule deer. Like other states, Mississippi used conservation efforts to bring deer back from the brink of extinction. White-tailed deer and mule deer roam the grasslands and prairies of Wyoming. 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. This includes plant shoots, legumes, cacti, leaves, grasses, fruit, corn, acorns and mushrooms. The states Department of Natural Resources says these deer are abundant in every county and habitat of West Virginia. The 2021 mule deer survey put their population within the state at 227,392. The Largest Deer in the World Do you know which species of deer are the largest? The Oklahoman reports the estimated deer population today at around 750,000. Key deer are the smallest subspecies of white-tailed deer in North America, weighing only about 55-65 pounds. The tail is straight and black on top with white underneath. For many years deer hunting wasnt allowed in the state in efforts to allow the population to recover from the overhunting of the 1700s and early 180os. The program aims to address many factors impacting mule deer such as post-fire rehabilitation, pinyon-juniper removal, invasive weed abatement, re-establishing beneficial shrub/grass/forbs to compromised habitats, water development, spring protection, highway crossings, migration corridor protection, disease surveillance, assessing and trying to mitigate impacts from mining/energy development, predator management, and collaring and monitoring mule deer to identity limiting factors/mortality/habitat selection, etc.. An article published in November of 2021 in the CT Insider quotes the CT DEEP stating that the three year average for total deer population in the state is 101,000. This time the population grew to 212 deer in only 6 years. Learn more. They remain an important part of the states economy, generating an estimated 1.2 billion dollars through hunting. Their size can vary greatly dependent on their location. New Mexico has three native deer species. 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. Long story short, conservation and advances in wildlife management brought the deer back. The state is also home to the rare, endemic Key deer, which is the smallest subspecies of white-tailed deer. 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. White-tailed deer, also known as whitetails or Virginia deer, are a common game animal in the United States. 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. . Learn more about the gestation period of fawn in this article. Hawaii does not have white-tailed deer or any native deer. 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 is home to two main types of deer, the mule deer and the white-tailed deer. Ohio Department of Natural Resources: hunting and trapping regulations. Deer eat a lot, about 2,000 pounds of plant matter each year. By the late 1800s and early 1900s, deer populations had plummeted across the country and some states were in danger of loosing deer entirely. Iowa Department of Natural Resources: Deer hunting information. Idaho has about 520,000 white-tails, and the rest are mule deer. There are nearly 2,000 different species! There is a great timeline of deer management through the years on the wildlife departments website. Hunting is now an important part in keeping populations managed in the state, especially to help reduce populations in urban areas. The following section is not related to the 2021 Deer Hunter Survey but is offered as information relevant to the state's deer population. Clearly restocking, management efforts, and the shift away from clearing land for agriculture have worked, to the point where many counties are now trying to lower the number of deer to a more sustainable number. Wyoming is home to 70,000 white-tail deer and about 330,000 mule deer. On the other hand, hunting them provides food for many and their meat is very prized. File Layout [< 1.0 MB] Annual Estimates of Resident Population Change for the United States, States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and State Rankings: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2022 (NST-EST2022-POPCHG2020-2022) [< 1.0 MB] With each new release of annual estimates, the entire time series of estimates is revised for all years back to the . They are only found in the Florida keys and are an endangered species. 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. Because of this permits and licenses are becoming more flexible opening up new opportunities for the states hunters. Mule deer make up the largest portion of the population and 95% of the annual deer harvested. . This can have a Catch-22 effect on the wildlife population in the state. Sampling of ticks in the ESA, conducted in May 2021 by the MSU Department of Fisheries and Wildlife found a high number of black-legged ticks (42 juveniles and 1 adult), which are known vectors for a number of diseases, including Lyme disease . Ready for more deer facts? They are accurate to the best of our knowledge. Mule deer are classified as the species Odocoileus hemionus, the Rocky-Mountain mule deer. The Alabama Department of Conservation and other groups began restocking white-tailed deer as early as the 1930s, with most of the restocking efforts happening during the 50s and 60s. The rut, which is their mating season, occurs in the fall and the fawns are born in the spring. Each year, DNR compiles county-level deer data across Indiana. The states only deer species is thriving in every region. After many years of stability, the state reports deer population trended downwards between 2003 and 2015. Texas is home to around 225,000 mule deer and millions of white-tail deer. Animal husbandry and agriculture also grew, removing forested land in favor of farming. Which states have named the white-tail deer their state animal? The harvest was 13% lower than the 2020-2021 total of 81,729 deer. New Mexico is home to mule deer, Coue deer, and Texas white-tails. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife: White-tailed deer hunting and harvest. Deer Overabundance. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks: deer information and hunting guide. Deer species in the U.S. are split into eastern and western groups, with some cross over in the middle. During the 2020 deer season it is estimated that a total of 107,212 bucks and 90,681 does were harvested for a statewide total of 197,893 deer ( Table 1 ). There is also a small population of black-tailed deer on the island of Kauai that were introduced from Oregon in 1961. For our population numbers, we relied on official numbers from each states Fish and Wildlife Department, Department of Natural Resources, or another appropriate source. When Europeans first came to America, they found deer a plentiful resource in most states. Deer rely on young forest and forest edge habitat. 2021 population numbers listed by the state estimate 293,950 mule deer and 212,814 white-tailed deer. Efforts at management started as early as 1917 to save the remaining population. Importing of white-tailed deer from Michigan began in 1930 to strategic habitats. The states Department of Natural Resources and other groups want to attract more hunters to reduce deer populations. Ideally 8 feet and solid (not opaque). Growth has boomed since with an estimated population today of 700,000 750,000 white-tailed deer. They live all over the state, and the Department of Wildlife and Parks says the population is growing. Last year, both rifle and archery harvests were below average. But numbers have been on the rise since then, from an estimated 20,000 in 1940 to 700,000 in 2014. Unfortunately, this is also where the majority of the states human population live, and too many deer can increase car crashes and crop loss. In the issue: Big-game preference points and herd counts! The white-tailed deer is the most common game species in the state today, however hunting was banned between 1841 and 1954 to allow the population to rebound after a huge decline in the early to mid 1800s. Colorados white-tailed deer mostly live in the eastern and central mountain areas. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. We couldnt find any hard numbers and its likely an estimate has not yet been made. There are no western states with over a million deer. A small population has also been introduced on the island of Kaui, Hawaii. Wolves and mountain lions, their natural predators, no longer live in the state. White-tailed deer are an important game animal in Michigan. Delaware hunters reported harvesting 15,383 deer during the 2021/22 hunting season, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today. The total number of deer hunters in the state is obtained from the hunting license database. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission starting putting limits on hunting in 1916 to try and turn the tide, with an estimated 2,000 deer remaining in the state. As recently as 1968 the in-state population estimate was only 25,000, but through conservation and management by 1990 that number skyrocketed to 100,000. Hunting seasons, bag limits, deer restocking and habitat restoration are just a few of the management practices that sprung up. Like many other states, deer and other large game in Iowa was hunted to near extinction by the early 1800s. All of Alaskas deer are black-tail deer. The 2021 estimate for mule deer is 249,691. Hunting is the leading cause of deer mortality in most of the state (Figure 3). It is one of the few states where mule deer are a more popular game animal than whitetails. Deer Population Facts Population History In the early 1900's there were an estimated 500,000 white-tailed deer in the United States. Florida has a healthy deer population that includes a large number of white-tails and fewer than 1,000 rare Key deer. The process is outlined in detail in Appendix 2 of our Management Plan for White-tailed deer in New York State: 2021-2030 (PDF). Sitka are the smaller subspecies weighing between 80 120 pounds. There are three main types of deer in New Mexico, the mule deer, the Coues deer and the Texas white-tailed deer. Each year, hunters take 40 to 70 percent of the antlered bucks and up to 25 percent of the does within many areas of Missouri. They will lose these spots after a few months. Slow down. LDWF biologists and technicians collect harvest and biological data and conduct other research on public . How many deer are in Wisconsin 2021? Thank you for reading! The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is one of the most populous animals in the United States, and it is found in almost every state. Georgia Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) Current Deer Management Plan, 2015-2024; Deer Management Plan 2005-2014; Urban Deer Management Plan 2005-2014; Controlling Deer Damage; DNR Deer Restocking 1928-1974 This has rebounded from the estimated 10,000 deer in 1900. They are most populous on the western Great Plains, in the Rocky Mountains, the southwestern states, and on the west coast of North America. Virginia DWR: deer hunting regulations and seasons. White-tailed deer are a popular game animal found in almost every part of the United States. 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. Because of that, out-of-state hunters' dollars have been a huge boost to the Iowa economy. Recent estimates indicate about 80,000 to 100,000 mule deer, and 10,000 to 15,000 Coues and other white-tailed deer. For both species females are smaller than the males. 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. Iowa's most recent . White-tail deer are the official animal of Arkansas, These numbers are for mule deer and white-tail deer. They seem to be everywhere, but how populous are they? Enough that the Fish & Game Department created a pamphlet outlining why too much food assistance from humans is problematic for people and deer alike. Wyoming is home to both mule deer and white-tailed deer. This is mainly white-tailed deer however there is a small population of mule deer in the state also, about 1,750 3,000. Part of what helped this rebound was less agriculture, which allowed the land to revert back to mixed woodland which deer prefer. White-tailed deer dominate Texas, being found in 252 out of 254 counties across the state with an estimated population of 5.3 million. All of these states are located east of Texas. Today, the state enjoys a healthy population of almost 1 million white-tailed deer who live in each of its 75 counties. It is important they have access to both the cover provided by the forest and the grazing in open areas and along the forest edge. By 1930 less than 500 deer remained. The Coues deer are most commonly found in the southeastern mountains but also up through the Mogollon Rim and White Mountains. Deer Gestation Period: How Long Are Deer Pregnant? To try and combat this, the state has a community deer management assistance program, that includes additional licenses hunters can obtain to harvest deer on private properties, with landowner permission. This is quite a noticeable decline from the population high of 250,000 seen in 1988. This is the only deer species in the state, and it is a huge conservation success story. While there is no one fail safe solution to keep them away, here are a few top tips. Rhode Island only has 18,000 deer and Delaware comes in at 45,000. Tag numbers are approximately 20% of the estimated mule deer population for the year (low . While deer are prey for some large carnivores, there are not enough of these predators to keep deer numbers in check. However they are a popular game species for the state, perhaps because they inhabit less hospitable terrain and are better at staying hidden than the mule deer, offering hunters more of a challenge. Today, they are an important game animal and a key part of the states ecosystems. Why do so many states allow deer hunting? New for 2021, all eastern Oregon deer hunting is controlled. 27. The mule deer population has been in decline since 1980, decreasing from 300,000 to todays estimate of 170,000 190,000 in 2020. Restrictive game laws also helped allow the population to grow. Although they were once almost wiped out from many states, they have successfully repopulated most of their former territories. Over the years, she raised livestock animals, small animals, dogs, cats, and birds, which is where she learned most of what she knows about various animals and what allowed her to work as a dog groomer and manager of a specialty pet store. Montana has about 300,000 mule deer and about 213,000 white-tail deer. They are most populous in states like Georgia, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and New York, but they are slowly infiltrating other areas like Alaska as well. They are the most hunted big game in the state. See the 2021 report. Today, the population sits around 660,000. Which came first, the black-tailed deer or the mule deer? Using Remote Sensed Data to Monitor Mule Deer Population Performance: Mark Hurley: 10:25-10:55 AM: . They consider the population stable. They are largely concentrated around the so-called Hill Country and Edwards Plateau regions. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. Deer are thriving in the states forested areas. As any gardener knows, deer also eat fruits, vegetables, and flowers. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says they are an abundant and sustainable game species in Louisiana and the species most targeted by Louisiana hunters.. Deer friendly reports a white-tailed deer population of 72,900 in 2019 based on hunting data. A spring 2020 estimate put their population at about 1,200. The Columbian white-tailed deer is an endangered species so is protected rather than hunted. Like other deer species they grow new antlers each spring and shed them during the winter. Deer are plentiful, and people who enjoy watching wildlife will find many opportunities to see them roaming free in forests and parks all over the country. How many deer live in the United States? Like many states, Ohio successfully reintroduced deer, and they are now thriving. New Hampshire's Fish and Game Department says human feeding has damaged its deer populations. The estimated all-time low whitetail deer population numbers in Louisiana was about 20,000 in 1925. They are an attractive deer with a bright orange-brown coat covered in white spots, much like the fawn of white-tailed deer. Both species were introduced to Hawaii, but they have not damaged Hawaiis native ecosystems. There are as many as 70,000 deer-motor vehicle collisions a year in New York state, and about 200 people across the country are killed in such accidents each year. Since losing its mountain lions and wolves, the state depends on hunting to keep the population under control. Wayne and Hickman counties are the only two counties that meet both of these criteria. However in localized urban and suburban areas, many populations are increasing. The state says its population is well-managed and sustainable. The state reports that in areas where hunting is allowed and accessible, deer numbers are well balanced. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Field studies from across the United States, including Pennsylvania, show that predators - notably coyotes, bears, and bobcats - prey on white-tailed deer. In public hunting areas the population is estimated at 950-1050 deer. 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. Controlled hunting laws have kept the population stable. Apparently people feeding deer, especially during the winter, has been an issue in the state. This includes flowers, grass, tree and shrub fruits, nuts, acorns, berries and lichen. Read More The data are then monitored over time to improve deer management and inform decisions about harvest goals. Be on the lookout. . Deer where nearly extirpated from the state by the early 1900s, with only a few thousand left in remote pockets. Thank you for visiting! This not only allows them to digest a wide variety of foods, but they can eat and wait until later to digest. Icon. Cattle and sheep began competing with deer for space and grazing by the 1860s, combined with the 1859 Gold Rush that brought 100,000 people into the state soon to be followed by a railroad bringing even more settlers. The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife estimated a population of 1 million white-tailed deer at the start of the 2020-21 hunting season. The state is home to 20,000 mule deer and 130,000 white-tail deer. Some conservationists think the number of deer is too high. Fall 2021-22 harvest: 191,731. Colorado Parks and Wildlife wants to hear from you about the current Colorado big game hunting season structure and possible changes for 2025-2029. Although it has some mule deer, most of the deer in this state are members of the white-tailed family. Deer hunting is a huge sport in the state, and the 2020-21 season saw a whopping 435,180 deer harvested, one of the largest in the country. 2021 WAFWA Deer & Elk Business Meeting: Jim Heffelfinger: 1:00-2:40 PM: Deer Session 3: Disease: