WY - MD population

[TxFly]

Looking to start putting in with 6pts in Wy in 2025, but I have been hearing the population is down (on podcast). Also from what little info I've found at Wyoming G&F shows 2023 numbers are "50% down compared to a 40yr average". That sounds doom and gloom, and it might be but also looking for perspective from hunters. If anyone would be willing to share their field experience about the number of deer seen present season compared to past season. (Don't be specific) Also If you all have any helpful resources (links) to do my own research about state population as a whole I would appreciate it.

Thanks.

 

[bayou0509]

The only info I have is from a late season rut/migration hunt in a coveted unit last year. While I saw a tremendous number of deer, the outfitter I hunted with gave me an overall impression that the numbers were generally lower than years prior.

I would struggle to believe 50% less deer, but I'm sure that number could easily be accurate in certain areas or pockets that suffered the worst from the difficult winters and CWD. The first confirmed case of CWD was confirmed by biologists in that coveted unit while I was in the area.

Wish I had more specific info, but that's my high level summary. I'm no seasoned veteran mule deer hunter.

 

[maxx075]

Saw a nice 4x4 in a McDonald's parking lot in WY when I was going to scout in UT

 

[Kurts86]

I was really, really bad last fall when I drove across Wyoming in November for Mule deer and Pronghorn. Some areas it seemed like there was 1/10th the number of deer and pronghorn from past years. In a few days elk hunting I glassed up 1 mule deer doe in NW Wyoming in 2023 while I saw dozens of elk and quite a few moose. There were multiple bad winters in 2019 and 2022.

I have a similar number of points and I don’t anticipate deer hunting Wyoming for another 2-3 years assuming the winters are mild.

 

[WYChap]

I live in WY in an area we have a lot of wildlife around us and regularly around the property. It's been a number of years since I've been able to hunt, but I can say in central and northeast areas, the decline in mule deer and whitetail deer is very noticeable since the 2022 winter. Hard to say how much decline but apparent.

 

[HairyScandinavian]

Following. Same boat as you, OP. 6 points going into next year and dunno if I'll ever get to hunt. Lol

 

[TxFly]

Thanks for the responses. I'll continue to gather points and let the population rebuild.

Good to hear there are still pockets of a healthy deer heard. Hopefully it's a mild winter this year and things start moving in the right direction.

 

[Rich M]

There are some bucks still left.

Anyone hunting does and 2x2s should be spanked.

Im done w muleys, got a 160 in CO 2019 but buddies are getting wy points for muley and antelope. Might be 10 yrs before we go. Hope they can get decent bucks and antelopes.

 

[wytx]

They will not be coming back any time soon. Populations are down and G&F wants to keep some of them that way to reduce CWD prevalence.
I'd find an area and come hunt. 10 years from now it may not be any better.

We take any mature 2x2 we can find, no sense in them breeding doe and making more. We want 4x4s doing the breeding.

 

[KHNC]

They will not be coming back any time soon. Populations are down and G&F wants to keep some of them that way to reduce CWD prevalence.
I'd find an area and come hunt. 10 years from now it may not be any better.

We take any mature 2x2 we can find, no sense in them breeding doe and making more. We want 4x4s doing the breeding.

You think thats how it works with genetics? That a 4x4 was never a 2x2 , even at 1.5 years old? You may want to rethink that one somewhat. But, you can still shoot whatever you want to shoot of course.

 

[HairyScandinavian]

You think thats how it works with genetics? That a 4x4 was never a 2x2 , even at 1.5 years old? You may want to rethink that one somewhat. But, you can still shoot whatever you want to shoot of course.

I'm not wytx but I believe you missed this part:
"We take any mature 2x2 we can find"

 

[KHNC]

I'm not wytx but I believe you missed this part:
"We take any mature 2x2 we can find"

Correct, i did miss the "mature" part. My error.

 

[JFK]

In a similar boat. 7 points and not sure where to burn them. I should have hunted two “bad” units twice by now because the good ones aren’t that good anymore. I hunted elk in south central Wyoming in 2022, before the big winter and didn’t see many deer. Can’t imagine what 50% less would look like.

 

[S.Clancy]

In a similar boat. 7 points and not sure where to burn them. I should have hunted two “bad” units twice by now because the good ones aren’t that good anymore. I hunted elk in south central Wyoming in 2022, before the big winter and didn’t see many deer. Can’t imagine what 50% less would look like.

You could have hunted a bad unit 7 times by now.

 

[JFK]

You could have hunted a bad unit 7 times by now.

Yeah I know. Probably should have. The only thing is I hunt deer in my home state so not as eager to hunt deer out of state unless it’s a good area. I’ve got all the bad hunting I need here in California.

 

[wytx]

You think thats how it works with genetics? That a 4x4 was never a 2x2 , even at 1.5 years old? You may want to rethink that one somewhat. But, you can still shoot whatever you want to shoot of course.

Nope, not every 2x2 will be a 4x4, know that for a fact. Mature or not some just will never be better than what they are at a young age. Been watching deer for 36 years on the same property.
I know how genetics work .
Taking dry doe can also help your deer population.

 

[tracker12]

With 6 points you are a ways from drawing any of the areas known for quality MD hunting but it all depends on what you are looking for.

 

[wytx]

Correct, i did miss the "mature" part. My error.

Sorry, curt response above.
I get not taking the young bucks based on rack size or configuration, but have seen 2x2 s stay that way all their life.
Let the youngsters walk for sure.

 

[BowBaboon]

Sorry, curt response above.
I get not taking the young bucks based on rack size or configuration, but have seen 2x2 s stay that way all their life.
Let the youngsters walk for sure.

Pardon my ignorance, but I’ve been chasing some deer around and can really only turn up spikes and 2x2s. How does one determine if a 2x2 is mature or still juvenile?

 

[amassi]

Pardon my ignorance, but I’ve been chasing some deer around and can really only turn up spikes and 2x2s. How does one determine if a 2x2 is mature or still juvenile?

Milk on the whiskers
The face is a good indicator
Also the back shape to belly proportions


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