News Release Archives - June 2007
June 4, 2007
Spring Mule Deer Survey Complete
The mule deer population in western North Dakota remains healthy. Based on observations during the state Game and Fish Department’s annual spring mule deer survey in April, the population index in the badlands is higher than the long-term average for the ninth consecutive year.
Bruce Stillings, big game biologist, Dickinson, said biologists counted 2,797 mule deer in 291 square miles. Mule deer density per square mile was 9.6, a slight increase from 8.8 in 2006, and significantly higher than the long-term average of 6.4 mule deer per square mile.
Biologists have completed aerial surveys of the same 24 study areas since the 1950s. The survey assists the department in obtaining solid mule deer population data for the badlands, such as demographic trends and production ratios (buck-to-doe and fawn-to-doe).
Stillings said good production in 2006, a conservative and responsible harvest strategy and recent mild winters have provided above-average mule deer density in the badlands.
Will open a new window (pop-up).