After two days of flying, they counted 796 elk - 172 were bulls with 460 cows and 160 calves. View the latest Missouri deer harvest numbers by county. New Mexico is home to mule deer, Coue deer, and Texas white-tails. While deer are not naturally found in Hawaii, an invasive species has taken over in the last 150 years, the Axis deer. Vehicle collisions as population density increases, so does the likelihood of deer-vehicle collisions. 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. You can find blacktail deer in western Oregon, whitetail deer in northeastern Oregon and mule deer east of the Cascade range. White-tailed deer are mainly herbivores and will eat what they can find during each season. For our population numbers, we relied on official numbers from each states Fish and Wildlife Department, Department of Natural Resources, or another appropriate source. Most of the population growth in recent years has occurred in the southern half of the lower peninsula. The white-tail deer is the most common type of deer hunted in the United States. In the early 1900s not many deer remained in Alabama after overhunting, estimates were down to about 2,000. 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. New for 2021, all eastern Oregon deer hunting is controlled. Why do so many states allow deer hunting? They are herbivores who eat what is seasonally available. They also state the greatest density of deer can be found in Rockingham, Hillsborough and Cheshire counties, as well as along the Connecticut River Valley in Grafton County. The total population estimate for deer living in the U.S. is approximately 35-36 million. Deer Population by State: How Many Deer are in the U.S.? The supply of deer food throughout the state was in generally good condition. 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. This has rebounded from the estimated 10,000 deer in 1900. Deer Hunting Season 2022 Forecast: A State-by-State Guide 2021-2023 Deer Population Objectives. However in many areas of eastern Massachusetts where hunting is restricted by town firearm laws or land closures, the deer population is not well controlled. . There is some concern that in the long run, they may outcompete the native mule deer. Population & Harvest Trends - Iowa Department of Natural Resources Fallow Deer vs. White-Tailed Deer: Key Differences Discover the different traits between the white-tailed and fallow deer species. Arkansas nearly lost its deer population. Thats an impressive comeback from the near extinction they faced in the state at the turn of the 20th century. Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission: information for hunting in Florida. The white-tailed deer is native to North America, Central America and parts of South America. The Largest Deer in the World Do you know which species of deer are the largest? Wisconsin is having a deer boom, with this 2021 article reporting the states population of 1.6 million is the highest its been in decades. The harvest was 10.9% lower than the 2020/21 record harvest of 17,265 deer, but marked the ninth consecutive year that the Delaware harvest exceeded 14,000 deer. Montana has about 300,000 mule deer and about 213,000 white-tail deer. This flash can alert other deer that danger has been spotted, and is known as flagging. Even though black-tailed deer are considered subspecies of mule deer, there is still some debate on their origins and they are often counted separately. They also said that a significant portion of that population was found in east Tennessee. The peak population over the last 25 years was in 2015 with an estimated 2021 data shows an estimated mule deer population of about 84,000 90,000 in Nevada. White-tailed deer are not native to Alaska and do not have well-established populations there. 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. 84 . Deer | Montana FWP Of the states roughly 500,000 deer, roughly 212,000 are white-tailed, and the rest are mule deer. I am a freelance writer with 22 years of experience. The White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is the most popular game species in Misissippi.Nationally, the white-tailed deer population likely exceeds 30 million. In fact the 2020-21 hunting season is reported as one of Ohios most successful with 197,735 deer harvested. In some areas, state wildlife officials have increased the number of hunting permits to help bring down deer populations. Washington state is home four subspecies of deer. White-tailed deer were once common in Delaware, but hunting reduced their numbers. Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries: Deer Research, Management and Reports. Hunting for mule deer is more popular in Wyoming than hunting for white-tail deer. Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife: hunting rules and regulations. Mule deer are the most populous, and the state combines its counts of Coues and white-tailed. As conservation efforts increased, deer restocking programs helped bring in just over 4,000 deer from other states between 1928 and 1992. The state is home to more than 400,000 white-tailed and mule deer. 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. Opportunities to help us shape deer population goals for 23 of Minnesota's 130 deer permit areas continue through Monday, Feb. 13, when the goal-setting questionnaire for this year will be closed. Deer Population by State: How Many Deer are in the U.S.? Colorado Parks and Wildlife wants to hear from you about the current Colorado big game hunting season structure and possible changes for 2025-2029. I have seen some debate on this but at the time of writing this article the consensus is that black-tailed deer are a subspecies of the mule deer. Caption: Ohio's deer archery hunting season . Tag numbers are approximately 20% of the estimated mule deer population for the year (low . Hunting is the leading cause of deer mortality in most of the state (Figure 3). Mule deer make up the largest portion of the population and 95% of the annual deer harvested. Market hunting decimated the states population by the late 1800s. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. The states only deer species is thriving in every region. It was sometimes an up and down battle for the deer, but things really began to improve in the early 1970s when management of deer was turned over from the state legislature to the department of natural resources. They have adapted well and currently coexist peacefully with the states native ecosystems. Idaho Fish & Game: Deer Hunting information. The only state they havent established at least a small population is Hawaii. Mule deer are the most populous with a 2020 estimate of 85,000-100,000 mule deer in Arizona. Current Management. On the other hand, hunting them provides food for many and their meat is very prized. Due to many factors including over-harvesting, hunting and habitat loss the white-tailed deer became uncommon in Connecticut between 1700 1900. Deer Information & Resources | Department Of Natural Resources Division While the white-tailed deer more or less stop east of the Rocky Mountains, the mule deer take over west of the Rockies. White-tailed deer populations are growing at a steady pace in Texas. About 206,00 hunters used a crossbow and harvested 93,000 deer. Deer were in trouble in Florida with low populations between the 1700s and 1940s due to unregulated hide trading, hunting and a cattle-fever tick scare that caused mass deer removal. 42. They mostly live in the states coastal regions. They are only found in the Florida keys and are an endangered species. 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. 2021 Virginia Deer Season Review. The data are then monitored over time to improve deer management and inform decisions about harvest goals. The rut, which is their mating season, occurs in the fall and the fawns are born in the spring. 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. This includes plant shoots, legumes, cacti, leaves, grasses, fruit, corn, acorns and mushrooms. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Montana has a large population of two types of deer, the mule deer and the white-tailed deer. The 2021 estimate for mule deer is 249,691. Depending on the time of year, they eat: The total population of all deer in the U.S. is around 25 to 35 million. See the 2021 report. Pennsylvania had the highest estimated number of auto claims (156,176). Deer Population by State: How Many Deer are in the U.S.? Archery (including crossbows) accounted for 14% of the deer kill; muzzleloaders, 23%; and firearms, 63%. The sika deer population is mainly found along coastal regions and is much lower than the white-tailed deer. In 2021, the state launched a new initiative to enhance populations of mule deer and white-tailed deer. Hunting controls, restocking and improved habitat brought the deer population up to about 17,000 by 1965. Many towns are trying to figure out programs that will work for them to keep the deer population in check. Pennsylvania: 34 deer per square mile. Today, the state enjoys a healthy population of almost 1 million white-tailed deer who live in each of its 75 counties. 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. Like other states, Mississippi used conservation efforts to bring deer back from the brink of extinction. There is a great timeline of deer management through the years on the wildlife departments website. But the lawsuit forced its hand, and between February 22 and 24, hunters killed 218 wolves, according to the Wisconsin . States With Minimal Deer Populations. Courtesy of onX Hunt, here are the eight states in the USA with the highest deer density: Mississippi: 38 deer per square mile. The state's 630,000 deer hunters generate $2.2 billion annually, but according to a report from the Wisconsin Policy Forum, hunting license sales dropped by 5.8 percent from 1999 to 2017. Deer Friendly - Utah Because of this permits and licenses are becoming more flexible opening up new opportunities for the states hunters. The following population estimates were taken from state government websites and other authoritative sources. State Population by Characteristics: 2020-2022 - Census.gov Like most deer, black-tail browse on what vegetation is available in each season. Alabama has more than 1.5 million white-tailed deer. According to this article in the Washington Times Herald, as of 2020 the white-tailed deer population in Indiana was estimated at 680,000. Hunters in Region B the remainder of the state harvested 62,916 deer, down 13% from 72,346 . Hawaii does not have white-tailed deer or any native deer. 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. Elk Population By State (Estimates and Info) - Wildlife Informer Since losing its mountain lions and wolves, the state depends on hunting to keep the population under control. Slow down. In the 1950s, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission brought deer from other states to repopulate parts of Florida. Predators kill white-tailed deer. Kansas has about 50,000 mule deer, and the rest are white-tails. White-tailed Deer in Florida | FWC - Florida Fish And Wildlife A 2020 study by the Mule Deer Working Group put total deer population (including black-tailed and mule deer) in California at 460,420. U.S. Deer Populations - DeerBusters.com Indiana had almost deer left in 1900. RALEIGH, N.C. (May 10, 2022) Results from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission's annual deer harvest summary indicate hunters across the state reported harvesting 168,427 deer during the 2021-22 hunting season a 6.3% increase . Winds light and variable.. Tonight However, the abundance of deer in many parts of the state is causing increasing problems, particularly in suburban and urban areas. Coat color tends to be more reddish-brown in the spring and grayish-brown during winter. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks: deer information and hunting guide. Wildlife managers are tasked with the difficult mission of maintaining or recovering deer populations, dampening the magnitude of potential future declines, and stabilizing hunter . There are an estimated 35 to 36 million deer in the U.S. Once hunted almost to extinction, they have made a successful recovery. The North Carolina Wildlife Commission estimated the white-tailed deer population in the state to be around 1 million. Ready for more deer facts? As the population grew, the demand for market hunting increased and deer were hunted in greater and greater numbers. She grew up in rural Pennsylvania where you can regularly encounter anything from elk to black bears to river otters. State Farm says in any state, the risk of hitting a deer doubles in the fall, when the animals are mating. Predation and Deer Population. 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. Ideally 8 feet and solid (not opaque). There are no western states with over a million deer. It is estimated by 1925 only about 400 deer remained. There are more than 490,000 acres of wildlife management areas in West Virginia. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Deer adapt to changing environments, and that adaptability has helped them make a strong comeback. By the late 1800s and early 1900s, deer populations had plummeted across the country and some states were in danger of loosing deer entirely. However the accompanying article states estimates are likely conservative. 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. A 2018 estimate puts the white-tailed deer estimate around 18,000 for Rhode Island. 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 ). It will be something the state keeps an eye on going forward. Every three years, the DNR approves population objectives for each deer management unit based on population metrics and CDAC input. Wishau said the industry is seeing a real decline in new hunters. They are classic forest creatures who feature in wilderness stories and artwork. 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. For instance, in farmland management zones, harvesting approximately 25% of the . Managers have been able to relax hunting regulations over the years in response to increasing deer herds. While caribou, elk and moose are all Cervids, that is members of the deer family, we are not discussing them in this article. 2021 population numbers listed by the state estimate 293,950 mule deer and 212,814 white-tailed deer. . Today its hard to image they werent always so abundant. We couldnt find any hard numbers and its likely an estimate has not yet been made. The endangered Columbian white-tailed deer are only found in the far southwestern corner of Washington along the lower Columbia River. The mule deer is a generalist and will forage on whatever is available. The state is home to 20,000 mule deer and 130,000 white-tail deer. There is also a population of white-tailed deer in Utah, however I could not find any credible estimates other than 1,000 back in 2008. State wildlife officials say the actual number may be higher. Marylands deer population includes 207,000 white-tail deer and about 10,000 Sika deer. They remain an important part of the states economy, generating an estimated 1.2 billion dollars through hunting. File Layout [< 1.0 MB] Annual State Resident Population Estimates for 5 Race Groups (5 Race Alone or in Combination Groups) by Age, Sex, and Hispanic Origin: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2021 (SC-EST2021-ALLDATA5) [< 1.0 MB] With each new release of annual estimates, the entire time series of estimates is revised for all years back to the last . Each year, DNR compiles county-level deer data across Indiana. Arizona has a small population of whitetails, though they tend to prefer areas with more vegetation. But what is their population by state? If this growth rate remained constant until year 10, the population would number about 900, or 1 deer per 1.3 acres. Sitka are the smaller subspecies weighing between 80 120 pounds. They live in forests, prairies, coastal areas, and grasslands. They seem to be everywhere, but how populous are they? Ohio had lost most of its deer by 1900 due to habitat loss and hunting. White-tailed deer are a popular game animal found in almost every part of the United States. Mule deer are primarily found in the badlands alongside the Little Missouri River. Alaska Department of Fish & Game: deer hunting information and regulations. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. Hunters Enjoying More Older Bucks Washington has the most variety of 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). Based on hunting data the white-tailed deer population in 2017 was about 135,000. Deer Population Facts Population History In the early 1900's there were an estimated 500,000 white-tailed deer in the United States. Oklahoma has about 2,00 to 3,000 mule deer, and the rest are white-tail deer. Virginia DWR: deer hunting regulations and seasons. Harvest Summaries & Population Surveys | Department Of Natural By the turn of the century people began to realize they needed conservation programs or the deer would go the way of the buffalo. Learn more. Vermont has more deer hunters than any other New England state. These deer are ruminants, which means they have a four-chambered stomach. Thank you for reading! Washington: 305,000. This is mainly white-tailed deer however there is a small population of mule deer in the state also, about 1,750 3,000. Maines many wild, pristine forests are a healthy habitat for deer. 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. Survey data is collected by field biologists using aerial and ground surveys in the . 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. Since 2015, the statewide deer harvest has increased sharply, to a record high of 14,757 last year, with more deer killed east of 495 than the central and western parts of the state combined. Making deer dependent on human feeding can make them more vulnerable to predators, diseases, and vehicle collisions. 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. Nebraska is another state that is home to both white-tailed and mule . Wisconsin: 33 deer per square mile. The first game laws restricting hunting went into effect in 1853. Lets find out. Estimating Deer Populations on Your Property: Population Dynamics In general, black-tailed deer occur in the western half of the state, while white-tailed and mule deer occur in the eastern half. Restrictive game laws also helped allow the population to grow. State Harvest Statistics 2022 - 2023 Deer Statistics for Alabama # of Deer reported: 195241 # of antlered reported: 102366 Public Land. The white-tailed deer gets its name from its white patches, which are behind the nose, around the eyes, inside the ears, over the chin and throat, and beneath the tail. According to the state of Massachusetts deer management page, there are an estimated 95,000 white-tailed deer in the state. Their population is recovering due to prohibiting antlerless harvest for a few years and milder winters. Deer Populations - Wildlife Control Information Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Deer Gestation Period: How Long Are Deer Pregnant? However world-wide there are 26 known subspecies, with 17 of those occurring in the U.S. 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. Ohio's Final 2021-22 Deer Harvest Report - Ohio Department of Natural State wildlife biologists were concerned about damage from these non-native deer, but monitoring programs have found they coexist peacefully with the states native species. 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. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency: deer hunting guide. "With roughly 35 calves per hundred cows, we know the herds are increasing. Producers working to lower deer populations in their fields have found that these early hunts are critical in reducing the total number of female deer over the course of the year. The numbers above do not include deer . 5) South Dakota: Deer population around 300,000. 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. White-tailed deer are found throughout the state even in some coastal locales. While populations still continue to fluctuate due to habitat loss, weather, disease and other factors, it remains in the hundreds of thousands. The rest are mule deer. Columbia Black-tailed deer (Northern California and Pacific Northwest). Delawares White-Tailed Deer: Hunting and Management. On the one hand they cause a lot of damage to crops and use up many natural resources. There are nearly 2,000 different species! Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Once present in only a few counties, they are now abundant in each of the states 95 counties. Officials are still unsure of the exact number of white-tailed deer currently living in Alaska. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. These sika deer were originally from Japan and were released from private property in Maryland during the early 1900s. Body. The main noticeable difference between the mule deer and the white-tailed deer are ear size, tails, and antlers. Browse, which is a collective term for shoots, twigs, leaves, and buds. Deer hunting plays an important role in keeping ecosystems balanced. North Carolina's 2021-22 Deer Harvest Summaries Now Available This booming population now has deer in overabundance and the state DEC aims to control this with managed harvesting. In Wisconsin, there have been 1,822 entries for the buck, which is . Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation: deer hunting resources. A spring 2020 estimate put their population at about 1,200. The first recorded sightings of the white-tailed deer in Utah happened in the northern part of the state, Cache county, in the late 1990s. Deer are thriving in the states forested areas. White-tailed deer are one of three deer species native to North America. Try these articles next! The reader should bear in mind that many . Ohio Department of Natural Resources: hunting and trapping regulations. There were fewer than 500 deer left at the time. It is the only deer native to the state. California's Deer Population Estimates - California Department of Hunting female deer a better population management strategy Florida has a healthy deer population that includes a large number of white-tails and fewer than 1,000 rare Key deer. The Mississippi State University Extension says only Texas has a larger deer population. Despite these high harvests, the population still remains pretty stable. All of Alaskas deer are black-tail deer. East Tennessee Outdoors 2020 Deer Harvest Results - Elizabethton 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). How many deer are in Wisconsin 2021? February 07, 2022. Spotlight surveys have been used by biologists nationwide since the mid-1900s and are effective for monitoring population trends, determining the distribution of species, identifying habitat use, and predicting disease outbreaks. Most states have yearly hunting seasons that help keep deer populations in check. . Wolf Populations Drop as More States Allow Hunting In 1927 a huge flood in the eastern part of the state forced deer into small areas of high ground where they were unfortunately picked off by opportunistic hunters. Deer Hunting Season Forecasts - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation 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. Some states also have small populations of endemic deer species found only in that state. 2022 - 2023 Deer Statistics for Alabama - Game Harvest Menu While their historic range expanded further east, today you can find them in western Oregon, northern California, Washington, the Alaskan panhandle and areas of British Columbia. 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 .