Deer

Deer harvest in the fall of 2002 hunt was down very slightly from the previous year. This was not unexpected because the number of antlerless deer hunting stamps issued was decreased by 1,000. Table 1 demonstrates harvest numbers, license sales and other hunting related data for the period 1998 through 2002. As well, herd size estimates and information pertaining to age structure, condition, and reproduction are presented.

Although the starvation rate in the spring of 2002 was relatively low compared to other years, herd growth will still be a slow process because of the high number of fawns and yearlings lost during the previous winter which would have been big producers over the next few years. The high percentage of mature bucks remaining in the herd after both the 2001 and 2002 hunts is not because there are more bucks in the herd but reflective of the low number of fawns, yearlings and two year old animals in the population.


Determined by assessing bone marrow fat content of dead deer found during 1 February through 15 May. When 25% or less fat remaining, the deer is considered to be nutritionally stressed.

Some people are suggesting all deer hunting be suspended until the herd recovers. However, closing or shortening the hunting season is not considered necessary or an appropriate action to remedy the effects of a natural event of this nature. Current regulations allow us to reduce harvest of does and fawns where and to the extent necessary. By further reducing the number of antlerless deer hunting stamps (ADHS), herd growth potential is accommodated while still allowing hunters the opportunity to hunt adult bucks throughout the province. In this situation hunters realize their success rate will be low but to kill an animal is not the primary objective of most hunters. No doubt some will choose not to hunt until deer numbers increase but it is important to provide that opportunity and all other aspects of deer hunting to the many thousands of hunters who are such strong supporters of good wildlife management.

The total number of antlerless deer stamps issued for fall 2002 was further reduced to 12,200... less than half the number of permits issued in year 2000. (See Table 2.)

Once again the hunter kill of antlerless deer was low at 3,058 which amounts to only ~25% of the number of ADHS issued.

*Hunters did not indicate DMZ for these kills.

The number of ADHS issued for fall 2003, will be determined in mid June when all information collected throughout this winter and spring are available.

In exchange for an embroidered Deer Management Contributor Crest, hunters have been asked to turn in the lower jaw of their deer for the purpose of determining the animal's age. A total of 930 jaws (9.7% of reported harvest) were turned in for a crest.