One question I receive a lot here at the office pertains to deer densities. Although most hunters understand that deer population estimates are important for managing herds, some do not realize that states often have two periods for estimating their herd sizes. Deer population studies are often conducted for a fall or prehunt estimate and an overwinter or posthunt estimate. Posthunt population estimates are annually compared to the deer population goal for each deer management unit as a basis for annual adjustments of antlerless harvest quotas. Population goals and density estimates are usually expressed as deer per square mile of deer range. These densities vary widely depending on region. However, a general rule of thumb is that a posthunt population exceeding 40 deer per square mile of deer habitat is considered to be at or above goals.

Dan Schmidt, D&DH Editor