Wildlife officials have been more and more concerned with diseases affecting the deer population in recent months, but new data shows populations may not be suffering as much as was feared.
According to Department of Natural Resources hunting prospect reports, the 2018 deer population is looking good for hunters.
Ashley Autenrieth is a deer program biologist with the DNR.
“So we’ve had good reports thus far of deer sightings, healthy looking deer, good condition in terms of body size and weight, good antler development on bucks, and it seems to be a good fawning year as well. We didn’t have a very severe winter at all it was mild to normal in most places.”
Autenrieth said conditions should make for the best deer season in the last two years, so long as weather cooperates.
She said while illnesses like chronic wasting disease haven’t brought populations down much, they have brought new regulations to the table, which hunters should be familiar with.
Information on deer and hunting regulations are at the DNR's website.
In the interest of disclosure the DNR is an underwriter for WCMU.