The third year of a five-year aerial survey of mule deer in the Pine Ridge of northwestern Nebraska is now complete, indicating a decrease in overall mule deer population, but an increase in the number of fawns.
During the survey, which covers eight subunits with the most suitable mule deer habitat within the Pine Ridge deer management unit, Commission employees counted 636 mule deer, compared to 758 in 2015 and 862 in 2014. The count of 261 fawns is up 25 from 2015.
The survey, which was conducted from a contracted helicopter the morning and evening hours of Feb. 9 and 11, covered 426 square miles. The Antelope Creek sub-unit, which borders Wyoming and South Dakota in the state’s northwestern corner, registered the highest mule deer density with 4.75 per square mile.
The area near the Niobrara River in Sioux County followed with 3.27. Both of those densities exceed all those recorded in 2014, the first year of the survey, but are short of the 8.53 near Belmont and 5.15 in the Antelope Creek area last year. The density of all sub-units combined was 1.48 mule deer per square mile, a decline from 1.76 in 2015 and 2.01 in 2014.
This survey builds population trend data to assess population levels and guide management decisions. Using a helicopter helps locate animals in rugged terrain. Biologists conducting the survey said locating animals can be challenging if snow cover is spotty, such as it was this year.
The survey also helps determine how the mule deer population responds to the prohibition of doe harvest, and aids the Commission goal of providing optimum hunting opportunities.
Mule deer population has been a concern in Pine Ridge and other areas of the American West experiencing declines despite quality habitat and harvest restrictions. In 2013, following a year of monumental drought, wildfires and disease, the Commission began prohibiting mule deer doe harvest portions of the Pine Ridge unit. In 2014 and 2015, the doe prohibition was expanded to the entire unit.
In addition to getting a count on mule deer, the surveyors recorded a significant increase in white-tailed deer from last year, steady numbers of elk and a slight decline of bighorn sheep.