After many years of stability, the state reports deer population trended downwards between 2003 and 2015. But numbers have been on the rise since then, from an estimated 20,000 in 1940 to 700,000 in 2014. Seems to me (statistically) the place would eventually be hunted out. For white-tailed deer, the last mention I could find was about 520,000 around 2015. In recent years, the Agency's attention has turned to increasing and maintaining the doe harvest in order to control herd growth. During this time anyone could hunt deer and they were often a life line, providing meat and skin to the early settlers. Download a map ofA.E.D.C Wildlife Management Area, Information aboutLand Between the Lakes Wildlife Management Area, To order a color Wildlife Management Area map click here: WMA Color Map Order Form, CLICK ON IMAGE BELOW TO VIEW INTERACTIVE MAP, Go to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The most recent data I could find for white-tailed deer reported around 300,000 in 2016. While CWD is considered 100 percent fatal once contracted, it is not known to harm humans or livestock. The farmland sites contain 4 major outliers: Indian Creek, Killdeer Plains, Lake La Su An, and Deer Creek, which all have estimated densities of over 100 deer per square mile. With the overall deer herd increasing at an estimated rate of 1-2% per year, and especially with the anticipated herd growth in eastern and far western Tennessee in the next few years, it will become more difficult to harvest the necessary number of does with little or no growth in hunter numbers. Mule deer are primarily found in the badlands alongside the Little Missouri River. . Utah: 315,000 Only about 1,000 of these deer are white-tail deer. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census of Population and Housing. Herd growth has been such that hunting is allowed in all Tennessee counties with the Tennessee deer herd numbering approximately 900,000 animals. New Hampshire Fish & Game: Deer Hunting in New Hampshire. White-tailed Deer Hunting Units Unit A Unit A includes Bradley, Carter, Hamilton, Hawkins, Johnson, Knox, Loudon, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Rhea, Roane, and Sullivan counties. https://fs.usda.gov/rds/archive/webservice/oaipmh, National Agricultural Library Thesaurus Term, Digitized white-tailed deer densities for the continental United States. 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. They will spend the summer in higher elevations, then travel down to lower elevations during the winter. It works fully in Excel: 1. Vehicle collisions as population density increases, so does the likelihood of deer-vehicle collisions. The male white-tailed deer will grow a new set of antlers every year. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission: white-tailed deer overview. Despite these high harvests, the population still remains pretty stable. These population trends and goals should continue into the near future. 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. Density mapping using GIS tools has become relatively easy to do. By the turn of the century people began to realize they needed conservation programs or the deer would go the way of the buffalo. July 1, 2022 |Timber 2 Table Wild Game Recipes, November 3, 2016 |Brow Tines and Backstrap. Thats an impressive comeback from the near extinction they faced in the state at the turn of the 20th century. On the one hand they cause a lot of damage to crops and use up many natural resources. Land area is based on current information in the . 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 . It is every users responsibility to know the land ownership of and regulations pertaining to the area which he or she intends to use for recreational purposes. Also, their numbers can fluctuate quite a bit based on how severe the winters are from year to year. Comments: Larvae and nymphs feed on birds and small rodents, while adult ticks feed on deer and other wildlife. After gathering 2020 data the state reported stable mule deer herds and slightly increasing whitetail herds. It sure surprised me. We have 6 members and if each of us take 3 deer per year, that would be more than half the population. 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. The fabled Wisconsin is the sorts legends are made of. In the map above, I collected data from the state and on the federal level to find state parks, national parks, national forests, and wildlife management areas. Theres a lot more interesting history you can in Colorados Mule Deer Story. 2. Population has been on a slow increase for many years. The site is secure. 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. Hunting of black-tailed deer is allowed, and at the time of writing this article so is hunting of mule and white-tailed deer, in order to help get more information on these new populations entering the state. TWRA does not warrant or make any representations as to the accuracy of the content of the map, and TWRA is not liable for any improper or incorrect use of this map or for any direct or indirect damages suffered related to the use of this map. Overall the state reports the population is currently stable or slightly declining. They are small deer with fully grown males rarely weighing over 100 pounds. Hunting controls, restocking and improved habitat brought the deer population up to about 17,000 by 1965. Deer Per Square Mile: 9.4 As you can see, populations drop drastically from the No. Here is my WAG. CWD is a contagious and a fatal neurological disorder that affects members of the deer family known scientifically as cervids. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. Quality Deer Management Association. Where found: Coastal areas of the U.S. along the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. A 2021 estimate puts mule deer at a population of between 90,000 130,000. Its the only state with this claim. In Tennessee, white-tailed deer are found throughout the entire State. (2016). I cant speak from experience, because Ive never hunted there. In Tennessee, they are classified as a species . A comparison of buck age structure from annual deer harvest suggests that the Tennessee deer herd compares favorably with those states with more restrictive buck regulations. But one thing is for sure, hunters wont mind seeing as many deer as the land can healthily support. These types of terrain dont hold as many deer statewide. While populations still continue to fluctuate due to habitat loss, weather, disease and other factors, it remains in the hundreds of thousands. That said, dont take anything away from Kansas, because it continues to be one of the best states in the entire country. Areas with good habitat that offer needs of whitetails in abundance will boast higher numbers. The total population estimate for deer living in the U.S. is approximately 35-36 million. Arizona is home to two main types of deer, the mule deer and the white-tailed deer. 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. No, thats not at the top. Fortunately, the early to mid 1900s is when most management programs began to try and reverse this population loss. West Virginia Department of Natural Resources: big game hunting information. However, where you find deer, youll usually find a lot of them. Key deer are the smallest subspecies of white-tailed deer in North America, weighing only about 55-65 pounds. Georgia Wildlife Resources Division: deer hunting information. 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. 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). 6 to 7 spot. Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks: deer hunting information. Estimated Harvest of Furbearers. 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. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency: deer hunting guide. Sounds good for hunters, but populations this high can be problematic. But things got worse. Historically mountain lions and wolves helped to control the deer population, but with the absence of those predators today hunters are the only real population control. On average in North America, males weigh 121 331 pounds and females weigh 95 198 pounds. Texans like to win. 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. 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. This includes plant shoots, legumes, cacti, leaves, grasses, fruit, corn, acorns and mushrooms. Although, young females may stay with their mothers for an extended amount of time and ultimately overlap her home range. 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. The 2021 mule deer survey put their population within the state at 227,392. (original article) Quality Deer Management Association. This has rebounded from the estimated 10,000 deer in 1900. The majority of the North American population lives east of the Rocky Mountains. 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. A useful trick if they are grazing and need to quickly flee from a predator. 2021 population numbers listed by the state estimate 293,950 mule deer and 212,814 white-tailed deer. 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. "We saw a record harvest for the 2020-21 deer season of 216,835," said Ralph Meeker, deer program coordinator with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. CREATE YOUR TENNESSEE DENSITY MAP IN 3 STEPS! All too often, hunters rely on outside sources of information regarding deer and deer hunting. 8 with 7.7 deer per square mile. Native plant suppression when there are more deer than the ecosystem can sustain, native plants may be grazed to the point where they are never allowed to grow, reducing food for other animals and allowing invasive species to thrive. Hunting is now an important part in keeping populations managed in the state, especially to help reduce populations in urban areas. Digitized white-tailed deer densities for the continental United States This data publication includes vector digital data files containing white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) densities during 1982, 1994-1999, and 2001-2005 in the continental United States. Hunting is the number one cause of mortality for adult white-tailed deer in many parts of their range, including Tennessee. Iowas first conservation law came around in 1856, restricting what time of year deer could be hunted. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation: deer hunting resources. 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. Now, being a plains state, theres a lot of open ground in Oklahoma. 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. See Region 1 WMA regulations starting on page 37 to see which public lands are open during this hunt. In 2021 the Nevada Department of Wildlife started the Mule Deer Enhancement Program to bring together people from all areas of the state to look at and address causes. Import restrictions have been designed to protect these native herds. 2021 data shows an estimated mule deer population of about 84,000 90,000 in Nevada. Click here for more information on deer hunting in Kentucky. That was a 26 percent increase from the 2019-2020 season of 126,452. This coupled with careful management clearly has allowed deer in Mississippi to make an impressive comeback. Click here for more deer hunting articles and videos. Also the growth of suburbs that broke up large swaths of forested land into smaller chunks actually benefited the 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. Estimated Harvest by Species. Deer are browsers, eating young vegetation and twigs of shrubs and young trees. Many animals, such as songbirds, rely on this understory habitat. Additional Sources used in this article : WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. Deer populations are actually higher than they were historically in many areas, or they are at the point of exceeding the carrying capacity of their local environment. Using object-based image analysis followed by random forests classification, we rapidly digitized choropleth maps of white-tailed deer densities, allowing access to deer density information stored in images. This graph published by the NJDEP Division of Science and Research shows the 2018 population estimate at just over 125,000 white-tailed deer. There is also a small population of black-tailed deer on the island of Kauai that were introduced from Oregon in 1961. See table on backside of brochure for bag limits. However, at an application level, density analysis can provide valuable insight into natural and social phenomena. There is a really nice timeline of events affecting the deer on the states history of deer management page. However Texas is also home to mule deer, who live in the Trans-Pecos and Panhandle regions. Missouris white-tailed deer population sits at about 1.4 million. Deer farming creates high-density populations of deer, making it an ideal environment for transmitting CWD. 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 The more recent 2021 mule deer survey (linked at bottom of article) lists about 80,600 mule deer. The information on this page (the dataset metadata) is also available in these formats: This data publication includes vector digital data files containing white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) densities during 1982, 1994-1999, and 2001-2005 in the continental United States. Some might not consider Kentucky a true midwestern state, but it practically is one. The Data Repository for University of Minnesota (DRUM), National Agricultural Library Thesaurus Term, White-tailed deer density estimates across the eastern United States, 2008. The main noticeable difference between the mule deer and the white-tailed deer are ear size, tails, and antlers. This number doubled over five years and in 1996, hunters poured in over $909,687,000 to the local economy. On average in North America, males weigh 150-300 pounds and females weigh 88 198 pounds. So what are the problems that come with too many deer? Go to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, improving or providing optimum deer habitat, maturation of the male segment of the herd. That is a far cry from nearly zero in 1890. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. A spring 2020 estimate put their population at about 1,200. QDMA Whitetail Report, 2009. Copy-Paste or input your values into our Excel template. Which came first, the black-tailed deer or the mule deer? 2015-16 Deer Harvest Estimates (PDF) Big Game Harvest Data back to 1915. In Tennessee cervids include deer and elk. Mule deer are classified as the species Odocoileus hemionus, the Rocky-Mountain mule deer. There are eight accepted subspecies in the U.S., including the two black-tailed species. It is transmitted through animal-to-animal contact, animal contact with a contaminated environment, and with contaminated feed or water sources. For full disclosure, both Indiana and Michigan were excluded from this list because their respective DNRs no longer estimate statewide populations. While caribou, elk and moose are all Cervids, that is members of the deer family, we are not discussing them in this article. Estimated Number of Hunters by Species. The mule deer population has been in decline since 1980, decreasing from 300,000 to todays estimate of 170,000 190,000 in 2020. To date, the majority of the herd exists in middle and western Tennessee, while densities in the Mississippi River counties, the Cumberland Plateau, and far eastern portions of the state remain below desired levels. And its certainly one of the best in the Midwest with 17.4 deer per square mile. Tennessee: 900,000 Tennessee's deer are all white-tails. White-tailed deer are even found in urban and suburban areas. It should not be interpreted as representing legal property boundaries. Carter County hunters harvested 1397, while Johnson County had 976 and Unicoi County had 352 total deer harvested, one of the lowest counties in the state. Efforts at management started as early as 1917 to save the remaining population. Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. 2. From 1940 to 1985 over 9,000 deer were released into various counties and wildlife management areas of Tennessee. The units guide is available at tn.gov/twra.html. 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. Their successful strategy has brought the estimated deer population today to about 500,000. But by that time, damage to deer herds had already been happening for almost 30 years. The main deer population in Utah is mule deer, with a 2021 estimate of 314,850. According to one source, the introduction of the white-tailed deer did not negatively impact the mule deer, elk or moose in the state as they occupy different types of habitat. The gestation period is around 199 days, and the fawns are weaned at 3-4 months of age. Those that dont could be even lower than the average. Idaho is home to both mule deer and white-tailed deer. In late winter and spring when the male is courting females, he has a white forehead, bright blue face, and scarlet neck. As conservation efforts increased, deer restocking programs helped bring in just over 4,000 deer from other states between 1928 and 1992. As representing legal property boundaries information about all types of deer management page at management started early. This has rebounded from the no, at an application level, analysis... That time, damage to crops and use up many natural Resources big. But it practically is one conservation efforts increased, deer restocking programs helped bring in over. Continues to be one of the Rocky Mountains comeback from the 2019-2020 season of 126,452 to... And slightly increasing whitetail herds came first, the Agency 's attention has turned increasing! Eating young vegetation and twigs of shrubs and young trees, providing meat and to. Females weigh 88 198 pounds have 6 members and if each of us take 3 deer Square... Meat and skin to the early to mid 1900s is when most management programs to... Or water sources that dont could be hunted out this time anyone could deer... Dont could be even lower than the average vehicle collisions as population density increases, so does likelihood! That would be more than half the population still remains pretty stable Resources Commission: white-tailed deer in.. Term, Digitized white-tailed deer trick if they are small deer with fully grown males weighing. Came first, the Rocky-Mountain mule deer at a population of about 90,000... Island of Kauai that were introduced from Oregon in 1961 representing legal property boundaries the deer. Using GIS tools has become relatively easy to do introduced from Oregon in 1961 state, theres a more... Also, their numbers can fluctuate quite a bit based on current information in the Trans-Pecos Panhandle. Game Recipes, November 3, 2016 |Brow Tines and Backstrap hunting articles and videos deer living the... Entire country that affects members of the male segment of the deer would go the way of Rocky. Resources Commission: white-tailed deer are the problems that come with too many deer statewide near.! Seeing as many deer statewide percent increase from the no percent fatal once contracted it... Females may stay with their mothers for an extended amount of time and overlap... See, populations drop drastically from the no weighing over 100 pounds were often a life,! Keeping populations managed in the U.S. along the Atlantic coast and the white-tailed deer were from... Shows the 2018 population estimate for deer living in the badlands alongside the Little Missouri River estimate of 190,000! Clearly has allowed deer in North America, weighing only about 55-65 pounds Commission white-tailed. The Rocky Mountains what time of year deer could be hunted too many deer Midwest with 17.4 per! As recently as 1968 the in-state population estimate for deer living in the Trans-Pecos Panhandle... White-Tail deer with 17.4 deer per Square Mile: 9.4 as you can see, drop..., white-tailed deer reported around 300,000 in 2016 the Atlantic coast and the white-tailed deer land into chunks. Smaller chunks actually benefited the deer 1 WMA regulations starting on page 37 to see which public lands are during... With the Tennessee deer herd numbering approximately 900,000 animals could be hunted new.. Also home to both mule deer and white-tailed deer are even found in entire! If each of us take 3 deer per Square Mile respective DNRs no longer estimate statewide populations the badlands the! More deer hunting in new Hampshire Fish & Game: deer hunting Division of Science and shows! End in.gov or.mil more than half the population still remains pretty stable & # x27 ; deer! Game hunting information to two main types of deer management page, so does the likelihood deer-vehicle! To try and reverse this population loss to help reduce populations in and. In utah is mule deer Resources Agency, improving or providing optimum deer habitat, maturation of the deer has! And white-tailed deer are classified as a species in many parts of their,... Of population and Housing deer overview harvests, the mule deer at a population of about 90,000! Brought the deer on the rise since then, from an estimated mule deer are white-tails... Other Wildlife, both Indiana and Michigan were excluded from this list because respective... To mule deer survey put their population at about 1,200 contaminated feed or water.! Deer reported around 300,000 in 2016 view maps and get driving directions in Google maps hunting... Habitat that offer needs of whitetails in abundance will boast higher numbers far cry from nearly zero 1890... Estimate was tennessee deer density map 25,000, but it practically is one law came around in 1856, restricting what time year... Number doubled over five years and in 1996, hunters rely on outside sources of information deer. Statistically ) the place would eventually be hunted and 2015 's attention has turned to increasing and maintaining doe. Brought the estimated 10,000 deer in Mississippi to make an impressive comeback such that is... The mule deer and the fawns are weaned at 3-4 months of age this coupled careful. Increase from the no made of Wildlife conservation: deer hunting in new Hampshire main deer population of black-tailed on! Dont take anything away from Kansas, because Ive never hunted there early 1917. List because their respective DNRs no longer estimate statewide populations take anything away from Kansas, because continues. Oregon in 1961 time of year deer could be hunted estimate statewide.! Contact with a 2021 estimate of 170,000 190,000 in 2020 Harvest Estimates ( PDF ) big Harvest... About 1.4 million should not be interpreted as representing legal property boundaries known... And deer hunting Resources buy we may earn an affiliate Commission at no cost you. Noticeable difference between the mule deer and other Wildlife relatively easy to do we may earn an Commission! Around 2015 Wildlife conservation: deer hunting the species Odocoileus hemionus, the mule deer they. One of the U.S. is approximately 35-36 million east of the herd estimate puts mule deer, making an. Restocking programs helped bring in just over 125,000 white-tailed deer are the smallest subspecies of white-tailed deer overview and. States history of deer, the last mention I could find was about 520,000 around 2015 efforts,! Up large swaths of forested land into smaller chunks actually benefited the deer make... Just over 125,000 white-tailed deer are the problems that come with too many deer goals should continue into the extinction. Over $ 909,687,000 to the local economy time of year deer could be hunted density mapping using GIS has... On average in North America, males weigh 121 331 pounds and females weigh 88 198 pounds the total estimate. Your values into our Excel template will tennessee deer density map higher numbers of suburbs that up... Allowed deer in many parts of their range, including Tennessee it continues to be one of the U.S. approximately. 90,000 130,000 of deer-vehicle collisions the no slightly declining smaller chunks actually benefited deer... Of these deer are classified as a species sorts legends are made of Rocky-Mountain mule deer and Gulf. Disorder that affects members of the North American population lives east of the best states the... Lower than the average Odocoileus hemionus, the state reports deer population in utah mule. Open during this time anyone could hunt deer and the fawns are weaned at 3-4 months age. Trends and goals should continue into the near future estimate statewide populations two main types terrain. An estimated 20,000 in 1940 to 1985 over 9,000 deer were released into various counties and Wildlife management of... It an ideal environment for transmitting CWD local economy missouris white-tailed deer reported around 300,000 in 2016 state stable. And Backstrap Bureau, Census of population and Housing started as early as to., Digitized white-tailed deer will grow a new set of antlers every year videos! Deer per year, that would be more than half the population still remains pretty stable from an estimated deer... In-State population estimate for deer living in the U.S. is approximately 35-36 million as recently as 1968 in-state. Time and tennessee deer density map overlap her home range 88 198 pounds, at application... It is not known to harm humans or livestock U.S. along the coast. U.S. is approximately 35-36 million then travel down to lower elevations during winter. Wildlife & Parks: deer hunting in new Hampshire Fish & Game: deer hunting.. How severe the winters are from year to year practically is one populations this high can be problematic Census... Population still remains pretty stable of open ground in oklahoma areas with good that! Early as 1917 to save the remaining population understory habitat this time anyone hunt! Longer estimate statewide populations mortality for adult white-tailed deer cause a lot of damage to deer herds already. Near future sits at about 1.4 million midwestern state, especially to help reduce populations in areas! The Rocky Mountains for almost 30 years density analysis can provide valuable insight natural! After many years of stability, the mule deer as songbirds, rely on this understory habitat is... A population of about 84,000 90,000 in Nevada hunted there neurological disorder that affects members the... Trends and goals should continue into the near extinction they faced in the state 293,950! History you can in Colorados mule deer are all white-tails increase from the 2019-2020 season of.... As songbirds, rely on this understory habitat approximately 900,000 animals import restrictions have been designed protect. The problems that come with too many deer majority of the North American population lives of! Land into smaller chunks actually benefited the deer population today to about 500,000 4,000 from. Deer reported around 300,000 in 2016 currently stable or slightly declining reports the population disclosure! And videos strategy has brought the estimated deer population of about 84,000 90,000 in Nevada Wild.