The Mississippi State University Extension says only Texas has a larger deer population. The rest are mule deer. Enough that the Fish & Game Department created a pamphlet outlining why too much food assistance from humans is problematic for people and deer alike. Most deer live in the western part of the state. Despite this, the deer population has remained stable for many years. Thank you for visiting! Outdoor Alabama: Deer hunting information and regulations. The only Southern state in the top 10, Mississippi has an estimated 1.75 million white-tailed deer. 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. 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. Wildlife biologists suggest developing softwood, nut-bearing habitats as a better alternative to human feeding. According to the same state estimates, White-tail populations have consistently increased since 1989 where they were estimated to number around 3.5 Million. Hunters in southwest Michigan will be able to use a firearm from Nov. 15, 2020, through Jan. 1, 2021, except for Dec. 1-3. . Controlled hunting laws have kept the population stable. 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. The Columbian white-tail is a rare species named after the Columbia River. 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. . Only about 1,000 of these deer are white-tail deer. The main noticeable difference between the mule deer and the white-tailed deer are ear size, tails, and antlers. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. For instance, in farmland management zones, harvesting approximately 25% of the . 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. Why do so many states allow deer hunting? Body. For these numbers, we have included all deer species. This total included 101,509 antlered bucks, 13,637 button bucks, and 93,005 does (44% females). The states only deer species is thriving in every region. There are three main types of deer in New Mexico, the mule deer, the Coues deer and the Texas white-tailed 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. Although we think of deer as a forest animal, they also thrive in Floridas swampy coastal regions. Deer in the suburbs are well-known for eating the nice flowers and shrubs youve spent time planting in your yard. The state department of wildlife and fisheries began to manage deer by setting hunting seasons and restocking in the late 1940s. Today its hard to image they werent always so abundant. By the turn of the century people began to realize they needed conservation programs or the deer would go the way of the buffalo. 84 . During the past deer season, 191,731 deer were reported killed by deer hunters in Virginia. New Hampshires Fish and Game Department says human feeding has damaged its deer populations. It will be something the state keeps an eye on going forward. Hunters Enjoying More Older Bucks There are an estimated 35 to 36 million deer in the U.S. Once hunted almost to extinction, they have made a successful recovery. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. . 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 ). 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. Michigan State University Extension . Which states have the most white-tail deer? Deer living in suburbs and areas not zoned for hunting are hard to monitor due to the fact that most of the data about the deer . 2021 data shows an estimated mule deer population of about 84,000 90,000 in Nevada. The deer population in the United States varies by state. Michigan: 31 deer per square mile. When alarmed, white-tailed deer will raise their tail straight up, flashing the white. The White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is the most popular game species in Misissippi.Nationally, the white-tailed deer population likely exceeds 30 million. Many animals, such as songbirds, rely on this understory habitat. We facilitate and provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy . I am owned by two dogs who take me on hikes in the mountains where we see coyotes, black bears, and wild turkeys. Theres a lot more interesting history you can in Colorados Mule Deer Story. Despite these high harvests, the population still remains pretty stable. Archery (including crossbows) accounted for 14% of the deer kill; muzzleloaders, 23%; and firearms, 63%. A useful trick if they are grazing and need to quickly flee from a predator. 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. Mule deer are the most populous with a 2020 estimate of 85,000-100,000 mule deer in Arizona. According to a quote in the Michigan Bridge made by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, there may be as many as 2 million deer in the state today. Arkansas Game & Fish Commission: deer hunting information. State wildlife officials say the actual number may be higher. You can find blacktail deer in western Oregon, whitetail deer in northeastern Oregon and mule deer east of the Cascade range. Everything You Want To Know About Muntjac, What Do White-Tailed Deer Eat? 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. However, they have adapted well to many environments. After two days of flying, they counted 796 elk - 172 were bulls with 460 cows and 160 calves. Statewide, deer populations benefited from a relatively mild winter and favorable weather during fawning season and early summer. The others are black-tail deer and mule deer. The majority of the North American population lives east of the Rocky Mountains. This has rebounded from the estimated 10,000 deer in 1900. It is one of the few states where mule deer are a more popular game animal than whitetails. Deer live in every county of the state. Apparently people feeding deer, especially during the winter, has been an issue in the state. The reader should bear in mind that many . The states Department of Natural Resources and other groups want to attract more hunters to reduce deer populations. White-tailed deer prefer the more agricultural and upland areas of the state, whereas the sika deer prefer marshes and forested wetlands. That includes white-tail deer, mule deer, black-tail deer, and a handful of rare deer species. South Dakota is home to both the white-tailed and mule deer. There is also a small population of black-tailed deer on the island of Kauai that were introduced from Oregon in 1961. This 2015 article states the Arizona Big Game Management estimated Coues population at about 50,000-60,000 deer. Hunters harvested 168,427 deer during the 2021-22 season; a robust number indicative of a strong population. 20+ Foods, Discover The Largest Whitetail Deer Ever Recorded, The 4 Best Deer Repellents: Reviewed and Ranked, Fallow Deer vs. White-Tailed Deer: Key Differences. Virginia has a healthy population of white-tail deer. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources estimated Utah's deer population at about 384,000 in 2015. In some states, deer are so plentiful that regular hunting is needed to keep a balanced ecosystem. The white-tailed deer found in Arizona belongs to the subspecies called Coues. This coupled with careful management clearly has allowed deer in Mississippi to make an impressive comeback. It was hard to find a species break-down, but in general it appears each of the three main species make up a fairly equal portion of that total, about 100,000 each. Ohio had lost most of its deer by 1900 due to habitat loss and hunting. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission: white-tailed deer overview. This is due in part to lack of predators and changes in land use (less mature forest, more transition zones). Deer Meat: 10 Things You Should Know About Venison, Discover The Largest Whitetail Deer Ever Caught In Maine. For both species females are smaller than the males. While caribou, elk and moose are all Cervids, that is members of the deer family, we are not discussing them in this article. Read More New for 2021, all eastern Oregon deer hunting is controlled. But things got worse. Michigans many deer are all white-tails. Today, the population sits around 660,000. Deer hunting plays an important role in keeping ecosystems balanced. In 2021, the state launched a new initiative to enhance populations of mule deer and white-tailed deer. White-tailed deer are an important game animal in Michigan. The state reports that in areas where hunting is allowed and accessible, deer numbers are well balanced. Deer rely on young forest and forest edge habitat. Visit our site to view our resource on Estimating Deer Populations on Your Property: Population Dynamics. 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. Hunting, Research, and Management. North Dakota Game & Fish: deer hunting information. 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. Although it has some mule deer, most of the deer in this state are members of the white-tailed family. Hunting is the leading cause of deer mortality in most of the state (Figure 3). Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks: deer information and hunting guide. The 2,500 hunter sample size is more than adequate, statistically, to produce precise . Besides hunting, deer watching is a popular activity among visitors to the states parks and wildlife management areas. Deer are an important game animal in Georgia, and the state is among many that used conservation efforts to increase its population of these deer. Icon. White-tailed deer and mule deer are not native to the area. 2021 Virginia Deer Season Review. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Overall the state reports the population is currently stable or slightly declining. The state banned hunting in 1841, and the deer population increased. . 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. Winds light and variable.. Tonight There are an estimated 36 million deer in the United States. In some areas, state wildlife officials have increased the number of hunting permits to help bring down deer populations. Kansas is home to two kinds of deer, white-tailed deer and mule deer. While nobody knows exactly what the deer population was before the European settlers showed up, it is believed there are many more today than there were historically. The Sitka blacktail deer is native to the coastal rainforests of southeastern Alaska, and has been introduced to areas of South Central Alaska. White-tailed deer, also known as whitetails or Virginia deer, are a common game animal in the United States. Every three years, the DNR approves population objectives for each deer management unit based on population metrics and CDAC input. "With roughly 35 calves per hundred cows, we know the herds are increasing. Today, the state enjoys a healthy population of almost 1 million white-tailed deer who live in each of its 75 counties. Deer populations and the deer kill across most of the state should be stable to increasing. The Columbian white-tailed deer is an endangered species so is protected rather than hunted. Alabama: 25 deer per square mile. 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. Making deer dependent on human feeding can make them more vulnerable to predators, diseases, and vehicle collisions. The only state they havent established at least a small population is Hawaii. The only population estimate I could find for sika deer was approximately 10,000 in 2016. Like many other states, Kentucky outlawed deer hunting in the early part of the 20th century. This total included 95,665 antlered bucks, 12,219 button bucks, and 83,847 does (44% females). This is quite a noticeable decline from the population high of 250,000 seen in 1988. 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. The lowest estimate in the state came around 1931, when Virginia was down to just 25,000 deer after over 100 years of hunting and habitat loss. The estimated population total today is 427,500 mule deer and white-tailed deer. Mule deer are the most populous, and the state combines its counts of Coues and white-tailed. (Texas is big in everything, it seems even deer!) New Hampshire's Fish and Game Department says human feeding has damaged its deer populations. Pennsylvania had the highest estimated number of auto claims (156,176). Wayne and Hickman counties are the only two counties that meet both of these criteria. Unfortunately, this is also where the majority of the states human population live, and too many deer can increase car crashes and crop loss. Download the report for the 2021 season. Trying to figure out their population in the state is challenging due to the remote and densely forested areas where they live. Deer play vital roles in the natural and cultural environment of New York and are highly valued for their beauty and grace as well as the utilitarian benefits they provide. 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. . With no natural predators the population boomed. 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. Predation and Deer Population. While overall the deer population is considered to be stable, the migratory populations in the Sierra Nevada and the black-tailed deer in the northwest are likely in decline, while suburban populations are increasing. 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. 1756 Forever Wild. Try these articles next! Like other deer species they grow new antlers each spring and shed them during the winter. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The 2020-2021 deer season showed hunters how . This includes plant shoots, legumes, cacti, leaves, grasses, fruit, corn, acorns and mushrooms. Montana has about 300,000 mule deer and about 213,000 white-tail 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. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation: deer hunting resources. They live in every state of the country, and their numbers are stable. Florida Coastal White-tailed Deer (panhandle and northwestern portion of the state), Florida White-tailed Deer (northwestern, central and southern portion of the state). Ideally 8 feet and solid (not opaque). This time the population grew to 212 deer in only 6 years. Hunting seasons, bag limits, deer restocking and habitat restoration are just a few of the management practices that sprung up. Please note that tracking wildlife populations is not an exact science. Wildlife managers are tasked with the difficult mission of maintaining or recovering deer populations, dampening the magnitude of potential future declines, and stabilizing hunter . Habitat, not predators, is the major factor determining mule deer numbers in Nevada. 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. Part of what helped this rebound was less agriculture, which allowed the land to revert back to mixed woodland which deer prefer. Tag numbers are approximately 20% of the estimated mule deer population for the year (low . High 62F. 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. Thank you for reading! Deer Population by State: How Many Deer are in the U.S.? As conservation efforts increased, deer restocking programs helped bring in just over 4,000 deer from other states between 1928 and 1992. 2021 population numbers listed by the state estimate 293,950 mule deer and 212,814 white-tailed deer. Key deer are the smallest subspecies of white-tailed deer in North America, weighing only about 55-65 pounds. View the latest Missouri deer harvest numbers by county. Oklahoma has about 2,00 to 3,000 mule deer, and the rest are white-tail deer. There are nearly 2,000 different species! That is up from an estimated 1.7 million ten years ago. In 1974 the state passed the Deer Management Act and had its first deer hunting season the following year. State Farm says in any state, the risk of hitting a deer doubles in the fall, when the animals are mating. Fall 2021-22 harvest: 191,731. The total number of deer hunters in the state is obtained from the hunting license database. Washington has the most variety of deer. 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. The Vermont fish & wildlife page reports that the pre-hunt estimate for white-tailed deer population in the state was approximately 133,000. Patterns and Habitats, Deer in Texas: Types, Populations, and Where they Live. Officials are still unsure of the exact number of white-tailed deer currently living in Alaska. This includes flowers, grass, tree and shrub fruits, nuts, acorns, berries and lichen. It is easy to see deer in most U.S. state parks, reserves, and even suburban yards. The state attracts more deer hunters than almost any other. There is a really nice timeline of events affecting the deer on the states history of deer management page. South Dakota has more than 80,000 mule deer and 420,000 white-tail deer. The Axis deer, also known as the chital, is native to the Indian subcontinent. Learn more about the gestation period of fawn in this article. Three of those are abundant enough to hunt, the white-tailed deer, mule deer and black-tailed deer. The mule deer working group estimates the 2021 mule deer population at 330,700. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Ready for more deer facts? Maines many wild, pristine forests are a healthy habitat for deer. According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the return of this deer is a tribute to good landowner attitude and progressive management, research, and enforcement programs.. A 2021 estimate puts mule deer at a population of between 90,000 130,000. Ohio's average harvest compiled from the past three seasons is 184,746 deer. Tennessee hunters harvested 159,879 deer in the state this hunting season. Hunting is now an important part in keeping populations managed in the state, especially to help reduce populations in urban areas. Field studies from across the United States, including Pennsylvania, show that predators - notably coyotes, bears, and bobcats - prey on white-tailed deer. As in other states, deer tend to live in different regions. Colorado doesnt count deer species separately. The more recent 2021 mule deer survey (linked at bottom of article) lists about 80,600 mule deer. A 2020 study by the Mule Deer Working Group put total deer population (including black-tailed and mule deer) in California at 460,420. 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. Deer live in almost every country of the world. There are eight accepted subspecies in the U.S., including the two black-tailed species. Deer Population Facts Population History In the early 1900's there were an estimated 500,000 white-tailed deer in the United States. They are classic forest creatures who feature in wilderness stories and artwork. By 2000 the deer population in the state was estimated at 1.75 million. 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. Williamson, WV (25661) Today. This booming population now has deer in overabundance and the state DEC aims to control this with managed harvesting. Wyoming Game & Fish Department: Deer Hunting. 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 hunting in the state is an important tool to raise money for wildlife management and land acquisition. Over time this heavy hunting and habitat loss took a real toll. Iowa Department of Natural Resources: Deer hunting information. They are mostly herbivores who eat browse, which is a collective term for all types of roots, twigs, bark, grass, leaves, and other vegetation. Overall outlook: New York's 2021 deer hunting forecast said biologists expect 2021-'22 to be another productive season for hunters. The states population declined when coyotes returned to South Carolina in large numbers, but it remains stable. According to this article in the Washington Times Herald, as of 2020 the white-tailed deer population in Indiana was estimated at 680,000. 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. Have some feedback for us? The tail is straight and black on top with white underneath. It is a tough balance for the Axis deer on the islands. Small herds also exist on prairies in Fall River, Meade, Butte, Bennett and Gregory counties. She now has three rescue cats and two high-needs Pomeranian mixes to take up her love and attention. Deer where nearly extirpated from the state by the early 1900s, with only a few thousand left in remote pockets. By the late 1800s and early 1900s, deer populations had plummeted across the country and some states were in danger of loosing deer entirely. There are more than 490,000 acres of wildlife management areas in West Virginia. 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. Deer adapt to changing environments, and that adaptability has helped them make a strong comeback. The New Hampshire Fish & Game page lists the population estimate for the state at 100,000 white-tailed deer. Nebraska Game & Parks: deer hunting in Nebraska. 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. It is the only deer native to the state. 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. The mule deer working group states it is difficult to estimate black-tailed deer numbers, however the 2004 estimate of 320,000 is likely close as the population has been stable since then. White-tailed deer are a popular game animal found in almost every part of the United States. The 2021 big game outlook states that the white-tailed deer population is stable to increasing. When Europeans first came to America, they found deer a plentiful resource in most states. That number sure has come a long way from 1900 when they were thought to have been completely wiped out with no wild populations left. 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. Nebraska. 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 . Delaware hunters reported harvesting 15,383 deer during the 2021/22 hunting season, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today. In 1960, there were 22 deer management areas and most deer seasons were only 2 to 4 weeks, with the longest at 56 days. This is the only deer species in the state, and it is a huge conservation success story. According to this article, the DNREC estimated the deer population at the start of the 2020-21 season at 45,000 white-tailed deer. Managers have been able to relax hunting regulations over the years in response to increasing deer herds. Since then, the introduction of white-tailed deer, habitat protection, and controlled hunting have allowed the deer to thrive again. 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.