States with the Highest Deer Density. Vermont is near the northernmost part of white-tailed deers range, and the deer must look for areas of shelter with mature evergreen trees to withstand the low temperatures and deep snow of winter. Other deer related concerns in the state include Lyme disease and deer-vehicle collisions, which are taken to account in the states management practices. The sika deer population is mainly found along coastal regions and is much lower than the white-tailed deer. Illinois Department of Natural Resources: deer hunting information. In Tennessee cervids include deer and elk. The antlered deer bag limit is a total of two for the entire 2020-21 deer seasons. For both species females are smaller than the males. And the numbers show its an incredible hunting destination. Many white-tailed deer live in forests and prefer habitat with young growth and forest edge. White-tailed deer are even found in urban and suburban areas. The Coues deer are most commonly found in the southeastern mountains but also up through the Mogollon Rim and White Mountains. 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. They will lose these spots after a few months. It should not be interpreted as representing legal property boundaries. Deer are browsers, eating young vegetation and twigs of shrubs and young trees. They like to win big. 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. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation: deer hunting resources. 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. They are an attractive deer with a bright orange-brown coat covered in white spots, much like the fawn of white-tailed deer. There are many legal ways summarized here to control this immensely destructive pest. 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. A useful trick if they are grazing and need to quickly flee from a predator. 5. The antlers are used during the breeding season to compete for breeding females. Thing have come a long way from the first post-conservation deer estimate of 500-700 deer in 1936. Iowas first conservation law came around in 1856, restricting what time of year deer could be hunted. Tennessee. 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. Estimates of deer density were: White = rare, absent, or urban area with unknown population, Green = less than 15 deer per square mile, Yellow = 15 to 30 deer per square mile, Orange = 30 to 40 deer per square mile, or Red = greater than 45 deer per square mile. 8 with 7.7 deer per square mile. However, at an application level, density analysis can provide valuable insight into natural and social phenomena. Like many states, Oklahoma had nearly lost all its deer by the early 1900s. Land area updated every 10 years. White-tailed deer density estimates across the eastern United States, 2008. Deer eat a lot, about 2,000 pounds of plant matter each year. This method rapidly reclaimed informational value of deer density maps and similarly may be applied to digitize a variety of published maps to geographic information system layers. This 2015 article states the Arizona Big Game Management estimated Coues population at about 50,000-60,000 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. . Some deer may survive and recover from the disease, but many die and are often found in or near water. 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. With laws enacted and amount of farmed land decreasing, deer began to rebound. Wyoming is home to both mule deer and white-tailed deer. Wyoming Game & Fish Department: Deer Hunting. Deer are browsers, eating young vegetation and twigs of shrubs and young trees. 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. Courtesy of onX Hunt, here are the eight states in the USA with the highest deer density . 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. of people per square mile): 153.9 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, data file from Geography Division based on the TIGER/Geographic Identification Code Scheme (TIGER/GICS) computer file. Hunting is the number one cause of mortality for adult white-tailed deer in many parts of their range, including Tennessee. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. White-tailed deer in Florida tend to be a little smaller than in other states, due in part to the warm climate. TWRA has made a reasonable effort to assure the accuracy of the map; nevertheless, some information contained therein may not be accurate. While deer farms are fenced, escapes of captive deer and elk occur when fences are damaged by storms. Value for Tennessee (No. It is the Agencys belief that hunting opportunities should be as liberal as possible without having a negative impact on the herd; therefore, more restrictive regulations should not be adopted unless it is the will of the majority of the hunting public. After the 2021-2022 deer hunting season, Fayette County had the highest county-wide prevalence of CWD at 17.7% and Hardeman County had the next highest at 11.8%. Maryland Department of Natural Resources: hunting in Maryland. The QDMA spatial map depicting deer density (deer per square mile) was digitized across the eastern United States. However the Alaska Department of Fish and Game says that they are both crossing the border with Canada and starting to colonize. Conversely, buck fawns only have small bony growths, which do not protrude through the skin, during the fall and winter after their birth. The total population estimate for deer living in the U.S. is approximately 35-36 million. White-tailed deer prefer the more agricultural and upland areas of the state, whereas the sika deer prefer marshes and forested wetlands. Coverage of the state was relatively complete during this effort, and deer populations were successfully established statewide (Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency 1991). Does 2.5 years of age and older in high-quality habitats generally have two fawns, whereas their 1.5-year-old counterparts usually have only one. The Deer density map shows our area to have at best 30 deer per sq. The Columbian white-tailed deer is an endangered species so is protected rather than hunted. A deer stocking program began in 1932 and continued for nearly 30 years. See Region 1 WMA regulations starting on page 37 to see which public lands are open during this hunt. The total deer estimate for the state in recent years is about 280,000 300,000. As we progress into the future, the Agency faces a number of challenges in its deer management program. Deer farms also regularly transport deer across state lines, which has been shown to be a method CWD can spread in other captive deer herds. These deer are ruminants, which means they have a four-chambered stomach. This includes plant shoots, legumes, cacti, leaves, grasses, fruit, corn, acorns and mushrooms. Today its hard to image they werent always so abundant. This state isnt what it once was. Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. The gestation period is around 199 days, and the fawns are weaned at 3-4 months of age. 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. Antlers remain on the bucks until after the breeding season, when they are shed. Deer are found throughout the state with three subspecies broken up by geographic location. But one thing is for sure, hunters wont mind seeing as many deer as the land can healthily support. A 2018 estimate puts the white-tailed deer estimate around 18,000 for Rhode Island. portion of LBL have increased to two deer, only one antlered and by any means (gun, muzzleloader, or archery). Its the only state with this claim. Nebraska Game & Parks: deer hunting in Nebraska. 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. In Vermont they also prefer the valley areas that have a mix of forest and fields. West Virginia Department of Natural Resources: big game hunting information. Mule deer are found in the central mountains and southern deserts of the state, while white-tailed deer are most populous in the northern forested areas. 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. Bear Harvest Report. 2019. The most recent estimate I could find for West Virginias white-tailed deer population was about 550,000 in 2017. In the late 1800s, India gifted eight Axis deer to King Kamehameha V. These eight ended up on Molokai and have since been introduced to most of the other Hawaiian islands. Estimated Harvest of Furbearers. Length: Male 46", Female 37" Wingspan: Male 64", Female 50" Weight: Male 16.2 lbs., Female 9.2 lbs. White tailed deer are found throughout the state, with the highest numbers in eastern half. Webpage with information and links to data files for download. The white-tailed deer is Tennessee's most popular big game animal. An official website of the United States government. Because while it isnt as good as it once was due to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), it still continues to surpass expectations. 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). But by that time, damage to deer herds had already been happening for almost 30 years. White-tailed deer density estimates across the eastern United States, 2008. According to this article in the Des Moines Register, the states estimate for whitetail deer population in 2020 was 445,000. White-tailed deer have played an important role in the lives of humans for generations and will continue to do so. All males and some females have a tuft of modified feathers on the chest called a beard. 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. The Sooner State comes in at No. In late winter and spring when the male is courting females, he has a white forehead, bright blue face, and scarlet neck. The main deer population in Utah is mule deer, with a 2021 estimate of 314,850. 6 to 7 spot. SET OPTIONS. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency: deer hunting guide. But everyone I talk to who has, heralds this state as one of the best in the country. That is up from an estimated 1.7 million ten years ago. Here is my WAG. Population estimates for recent years put the white-tailed deer numbers around 850,000 1 million. The fabled Wisconsin is the sorts legends are made of. Historical data from Tennessee suggests that there has been no negative impact on the herd due to lower buck limits (11-buck limit pre-1998, 3-buck limit post-1998). July 1, 2022 |Timber 2 Table Wild Game Recipes, November 3, 2016 |Brow Tines and Backstrap. Comments: Larvae and nymphs feed on birds and small rodents, while adult ticks feed on deer and other wildlife. And while Minnesota isn't what it used to be, it still does well and cranks out good harvest numbers each year. Deer farming creates high-density populations of deer, making it an ideal environment for transmitting CWD. Unlike the white-tailed deers antlers which branch out from a single main beam, the antlers of mule deer are bifurcated. Tennessee hunters harvested 159,879 deer in the state this hunting season. Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Maps This map is intended as a guide only, and its content is subject to change without notice. 2. That was a 26 percent increase from the 2019-2020 season of 126,452. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. By 2000 the deer population in the state was estimated at 1.75 million. The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife estimated a population of 1 million white-tailed deer at the start of the 2020-21 hunting season. Areas with good habitat that offer needs of whitetails in abundance will boast higher numbers. Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission: information for hunting in Florida. This is where we cover all things deer hunting, from experts and whitetail trivia to news, gear, and hardcore hunting advice. Sitka are the smaller subspecies weighing between 80 120 pounds. As mentioned, some areas will be higher and some will be lower. Unfortunately, this is also where the majority of the states human population live, and too many deer can increase car crashes and crop loss. This not only allows them to digest a wide variety of foods, but they can eat and wait until later to digest. White-tailed deer were plentiful in Illinois during the early 1800s, but supply began to dwindle by 1850 with the development of the railroads, cutting of timber and conversion of prairie land to farm land. Columbian weigh between 88 180 pounds. Sexually mature males, known as bucks, grow antlers in the spring/summer of each year. The mule deer is a generalist and will forage on whatever is available. Recent estimates indicate about 80,000 to 100,000 mule deer, and 10,000 to 15,000 Coues and other white-tailed deer. With no natural predators the population boomed. The estimated all-time low whitetail deer population numbers in Louisiana was about 20,000 in 1925. They are only found in the Florida keys and are an endangered species. They were essential as a source of food, clothing, tool materials and currency for Native Americans and European settlers. Some might ask what the perfect number is. (3.63 psm) Basically total reported deer kill is 40% of the total deer . This 2021 article in the Greenville Sun quoted the states wildlife resource agency as estimating 900,000 white-tailed deer in the state. Needless to say, I live and hunt in the Bluegrass State. Top 10 Booner States for Deer Hunting Since 2010, 10 Worst Deer Hunting States to Kill a Booner, Top 15 Deer Hunting States for Meat Hunters, The Best Way to Cook Chanterelle Mushrooms, 12 Reasons Why Your Venison Tastes Like Hell, Midwesterner Discovers Very Rare Melanistic Deer, Why an Old-School .30-06 Hunter is Switching to the 6.5 PRC, Southerners Shoot the Oldest Bucks, Texans Bag the Most Does, and More Highlights from the 2023 NDA Deer Report, Lost and Found: Neighbor Finds Hunters Huge Buck More Than a Year Later, Alabama Rut Kicking, Police Dog Saves Deer Hunter from Icy River, and More Deer Hunting News. I was blessed to take a beautiful 8-point buck. Coming in slightly lower than Texas, with 14.4 deer per square mile, you cant exclude it from the list. To browse or use data from this site, no account is necessary! However, thats still a decent number. Providing Central Access to USDAs Open Research Data, POLYGON ((-125.570437 23.246347, -65.705075 23.246347, -65.705075 50.962115, -125.570437 50.962115)), 005:059 - Department of Agriculture - Management Activities, These data were collected using funding from the U.S. Government and can be used without additional permissions or fees. Hunting controls, restocking and improved habitat brought the deer population up to about 17,000 by 1965. Bogart, GA. 68 pp. The rut, which is their mating season, occurs in the fall and the fawns are born in the spring. Estimates of deer density were: White = rare, absent, or urban area with unknown population, Green = less than 15 deer per square mile, Yellow = 15 to 30 deer per square mile, Orange = 30 to 40 deer per square mile, or Red = greater than 45 deer per square mile. Indiana Department of Natural Resources: White-tailed Deer History & Biology. 10 on this list. We will be looking at the population of white-tailed deer, mule deer, and black-tailed deer. The Kansas DWP reports that white tailed numbers have increased dramatically in the last 20 years. As part of the Wildlife Resources Division's (WRD) goal to maintain a sustainable wild turkey population in Georgia, estimates of the state's turkey harvest, turkey hunter effort, and turkey hunter success are acquired each year and then used to adjust hunting regulations in subsequent years to achieve . On the one hand they cause a lot of damage to crops and use up many natural resources. Its important to understand that within these states, actual populations will be different. That said, like Kansas and Oklahoma, there is a lot of open ground in Iowa, much of which doesnt support large populations of deer. Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. Tennessee Age Dependency 62.9 Age Dependency Ratio 26.6 Old Age Dependency Ratio 36.3 Child Dependency Ratio Tennessee Sex Ratio Tennessee Population by Age Show Source Estimated Harvest by Species. Deer also eat hard masts such as acorns, fruits (soft mast), and herbaceous plants based on seasonal availability. We have built the easiest Tennessee Heat Map Maker in the universe! In the early 1900s not many deer remained in Alabama after overhunting, estimates were down to about 2,000. The lighter shades of green determine the lower percentage rates of deer being harvested in Tennessee. The Vermont fish & wildlife page reports that the pre-hunt estimate for white-tailed deer population in the state was approximately 133,000. It made our list of top meat hunting states and is one of the top producers of Booner bucks. After many years of stability, the state reports deer population trended downwards between 2003 and 2015. While caribou, elk and moose are all Cervids, that is members of the deer family, we are not discussing them in this article. A total of 159,962 deer were harvested. Part of what helped this rebound was less agriculture, which allowed the land to revert back to mixed woodland which deer prefer. Arkansas Game & Fish Commission: deer hunting information. 6 to 7 spot. Trying to figure out their population in the state is challenging due to the remote and densely forested areas where they live. Turkey Interactive Turkey Harvest Map (Mobile-Friendly Version) Hunter Harvest Surveys. But, when its all said and done and the numbers shake out, Iowa only has 6.3 deer per square mile. A 2021 article in the Press Herald quoted a state biologist as saying the 2019 whitetail deer population estimate was 230,000 250,000 and that today the numbers are likely closer to 280,000 300,000. There are six subspecies of mule deer found across California. Total deer killed in a county (wilkinson) (1644) divided by the # of total land square miles (452) in that county ,taking into account that the total legal reported harvest should be 35% of the total deer killed and another 5% for road kill,predation. The site is secure. Bogart, GA. 68 pp. Deer Seasons and Bag Limits - 2022-2023 1. White-tailed deer are generalists, thriving in a variety of habitat types. Digitized white-tailed deer densities for the continental United States. Wild hogs are invasive exotic animals that cause extensive damage to crops, wildlife habitat, contribute to erosion and water pollution, and carry diseases harmful to livestock and humans.