Deer populations

[Farmin n huntin]

Hey there, in my area north of Toronto the deer populations seem to be way down. Is this just my area or are you guys experiencing the same population drop? I think the drop can be blamed on yotes

[skeeter1]

Not a single deer in my area, no one need apply for a tag this year

[duckduckgoose]

I feel like there's been a drop in part of my area. I'm attributing this to a recent split in the local shotgunning gangs. There were two BIG gangs that could wipe out the deer in this area if they wanted to. Recently they split into three gangs and recruited more members to out-compete each other and keep themselves in the action they've been accustomed to. I think these gangs in this area are finally starting to make a dent in the deer population. They used to be limited out by wednesday of the week long hunt, now they're out all week and I'm not sure they're filling all their tags.

[robster]

Also surplus tag system could be a fault as well. Some guys are lucky to get one deer. Then some guys buy up surplus tags and fill their freezers with two three four......

[Farmin n huntin]

ya theres definitely some abuse to the system. im sure in suburban areas thatd make a real dent

[Species8472]

Too early to say in the areas that I hunt. Deer have not returned yet from the yarding areas - still too much snow. Will know better in a couple weeks.

The decision to take extra deer with additional tags should be based on what is observed in the areas you specifically hunt. This can vary greatly within the same the WMU. If tags are available I always buy them so that the option is available. Whether I exercise that option is based on what I observe from scouting and game cams. In a typical year we try to inventory the available deer (means running a lot of cameras and a lot time on the ground). We are fortunate and our properties historically have pretty good numbers (WMU 82a, 81a+b, 80). Usually we aim for about 20% of the observed population and split it 2/3 anterled and 1/3 antlerless.

[JMatthews]

I think that the reason we aren't seeing deer in the usual areas is because of the snow. Our woodlot still has 3 feet of snow in it and I haven't seen any deer tracks there for months. Most years there are in our wood lot all winter. I did see lots of deer and turkeys in clear fields this weekend. As the snow melts off the fields, the deer will head there to feed. Mild weather for the next week so I'm sure they will be able to start moving into traditional areas soon.

[Doug]

I agree with the observation that the deer are/were still in their yards. Last week with the tops of hill in some fields showing through I started seeing a lot more deer out in the open; but always close to traditional yarding areas. Time will tell as they start to disperse and spread out.
As for extra tags being the culprit I doubt it, maybe a contributing factor; but there are others to consider, ie. length of winter, depth of snow, 2 ice storms, severe cold, and yes, predators. Like species I apply for extra tags; but usually have one in my pocket at the end of the season. I am a bow hunter, the 1st tag is for my meat deer, the second is also for meat to share with 2 landowners (and my partner this past year... he got skunked), the third gives me an excuse to sit in the bush for the rest of the season. If a true trophy should happen to walk past, then I have a tag for him, we do have them, I have seen some and have many photos of some.

[fratri]

ya theres definitely some abuse to the system. im sure in suburban areas thatd make a real dent

How do you mean? (nothing wrong with buying extra tags)

[timmer90]

The deer are still yarded up so it will be hard to telluntil they leave for their summer ranges. With the hard winter we have had youare guaranteed the numbers will be down all over Ontario. Yes yotes are some ofthe problem but starvation would be on the top of the list. Don't forget a lotof Does may abort their fawns because of the hard winter.