Winter's Affect on Deer Herds

[RKE]

I'm hoping that some of you more experienced hunters have an accurate idea on the affect that this severe winter is going to have on our deer numbers? I have read in years past about the affects of hard winters on deer numbers in other states and it seems that CA's '22-23 winter would qualify as a harsher than normal winter. Clearly deer, and other animals, are suited for harsh weather but it seems that when a season is significantly harsher than most years it can have a negative impact on numbers. My sons and I are already starting to kick around where to apply come this next draw and this is definitely a factor for us to consider.

 

[HATCHET1]

A ZONE...

 

[ilovesprig]

Very little effect on the "16", except for the better............

ps...A good fire would help too........

.

 

[180ls1]

I think that more so applies to northern states like Utah, Idaho, Mt, Wy and so on. I know parts of Utah have got over 700" of snow in the mountains and there is sitting snow in the valley, that is disastrous.

Our deer can drop below snow line to feed without issue.

 

[Hollowpoint]

I don't know about winters effect on deer, but I'd be more concerned about the feline effect on the stats deer population.

 

[frozenoak]

I can't imagine that this year's winter would be anything but advantageous to the wildlife in this region. There's more food out there now than there has been in many years. I expect there'll be a population explosion. Whether any of them make it to a decent age over the next couple of years will depend on whether this year's winter was a fluke or not. A good string of wet winters would be a boon.

 

[BOWUNTR]

I can't imagine that this year's winter would be anything but advantageous to the wildlife in this region. There's more food out there now than there has been in many years. I expect there'll be a population explosion. Whether any of them make it to a decent age over the next couple of years will depend on whether this year's winter was a fluke or not. A good string of wet winters would be a boon.

There will be no population explosion without proper management. Two deer limit and rifle hunts during the rut... Mother Nature can't compete with that.

Water is good for wildlife... deep snow, not so much. Ed F

 

[TRICER]

There will be no population explosion without proper management. Two deer limit and rifle hunts during the rut... Mother Nature can't compete with that.

Water is good for wildlife... deep snow, not so much. Ed F

Don't forget no lion or bobcat hunting........ you can't fix stupid

 

[KoozeDeer]

I think that more so applies to northern states like Utah, Idaho, Mt, Wy and so on. I know parts of Utah have got over 700" of snow in the mountains and there is sitting snow in the valley, that is disastrous.

Our deer can drop below snow line to feed without issue.

Utah fish and game are having to feed the deer up north

 

[sportyg]

This weather won't hurt the deer populations, mt lions, coyotes, and bobcats however are a big problem. They all take out the fawns, the lions and yotes take out adults and fawns.

 

[KoozeDeer]

I spoke to Jim Reid, the owner of Ken’s Sporting Goods in Bridgeport. He said even with all the snow the deer are doing fine. That’s promising considering all the snow in the Sierra’s

 

[HATCHET1]

The Deer in A ZONE are also doing well..
.rest assured fellas ..

 

[180ls1]

Really good info regarding winter kill starting around 42mins.