JEROME - Idaho Department of Fish and Game's early winter mule deer composition counts indicate good fawn production and good buck ratios in several of the Magic Valley Region's management units.
Department biologists and conservation officers surveyed portions of units 45, 52, 54, and 56 by helicopter and from the ground to obtain information about the status of those deer herds.
In hunting unit 45 biologists look at 800 to a 1,000 deer annually to determine the gender and age composition of the herd wintering in the area. Total numbers vary each year depending on weather, migrational patterns, and helicopter costs.
This year they classified 1,032 deer, 467 does, 175 bucks and 390 fawns. The ratios were 37 bucks per 100 does and 83 fawns per 100 does indicating excellent fawn production and hunting season buck escapement. The management objective for this unit is 25 bucks per 100 does.
Over the past four years fawn ratios have increased and buck ratios have remained stable. In 2001-02 counts biologist estimated composition of the herd from a 980 deer sample, averaging 34 bucks per 100 does and 61 fawns per 100 does.
- 2002-03 count: sample size 646, 34 bucks per 100 does and 68 fawns per 100 does.
- 2003-04 count: sample size 859, 32 bucks per 100 does and 50 fawns per 100 does.
In hunting unit 54, the deer herd also looks good with fawn production showing a good increase the past two years
- 2001-02 count: sample size 790, 31 bucks per 100 does and 54 fawns per 100 does.
- 2002-03 count: sample size 428, 18 bucks per 100 does and 55 fawns per 100 does.
- 2003-04 count: sample size 680, 34 bucks per 100 does and 68 fawns per 100 does.
- This year's count: sample size 505, 29 bucks per 100 does and 69 fawns per 100 does.
The increased numbers of deer hunting permits in Unit 54 this past hunting season is the result of improved production and survival of fawns in 2003.
In hunting Unit 56 overall deer numbers are also looking good and fawn production is improved.
- 2001-02 count: sample size 1,153, 13 bucks per 100 does and 58 fawns per 100 does.
- 2002-03 count: sample size 702, 17 bucks per 100 does and 55 fawns per 100 does.
- 2003-04 count: incomplete data.
- This year's count: sample size 1,114, 12 bucks per 100 does and 64 fawns per 100 does.
Winter conditions thus far in the Magic Valley Region have been conducive to good fawn survival and continued deer herd growth.
For more information, call 324-4359.
