Yakima herald reporting on deer herd todays paper

[stevemiller]

In todays paper there is a pretty good article on the deer population,If someone with the know how could post it on here that would be great.

[buglebuster]

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/yhr/tuesday/2144509-8/muckleshoots-helping-state-discover-why-deer-population-isnt

[stevemiller]

Thanks,Ill figure it out one of these days. 

[buglebuster]

From what I've seen, the deer ARE making a comeback. I have started seeing deer in areas I haven't seen them since late 90's, and not just a few. It's been noticeable numbers 

[RadSav]

They could have saved about $175,000 and just asked hunters.  No big secret the cougar population in that region is out of control.  In fact it seems to be spilling over the mountain too.  We've seen a spike in cougar numbers all the way to the Southern Toutle.  No coincidence the deer numbers have been crashing at the same time!  Over half the hoof rot elk we see dead in spring have been fed upon by cats too.

I know a few Klickitat bowhunters that have seen more cats over the last few years than deer.  Not saying they are good deer hunters...but apparently they stumble upon plenty of cats.  Hard to find a Klick turkey hunter that doesn't have a cat story or two.  Could probably cut down on the number of cats quite a bit if they extended the late cougar season until May 1st.  That would give turkey hunters 15 days to help thin the population.

[stevemiller]

Rad that makes a lot of sense,No way would that happen lol.

[stevemiller]

Your right Naches and if more hunters would buy the tags we could thin them out,I had one get away from me last year,Hopefully that wont happen again.

[bobcat]

They could also shut down deer season in all those units where deer numbers are so low they're practically extinct. 

[rtspring]

I have seen deer numbers jump over the last 5 years. Nothing like it was back in early 90'S but it is getting better.  I can easily see 30-50 deer a day now in yakima units. A few years ago you were lucky to see a doe.

What is interesting is they are not found in what used to be good areas. Scout around and look for pockets, they are for sure making a comeback.

Rtspring

[TriggerMike]

A little off topic but the picture in the article says "a black tail deer stands atop Cleman Mountain"...? Naches Sportsman, have you ever seen a true blacktail up there? I've been hunting elk there for 8 years and haven't seen any that i've realized, just mulies.

[TriggerMike]

Back on topic, I've seen more deer in 342 in the last two years than I have in the last 8.

[buglebuster]

The deer up there are mostly benchlegs. Some have more mule deer characteristics while some look more like blacktail. My buddy once shot a small 3pt up by Manashtash lake that was tiny, small ears, and pure black tail. Didn't look to have a drop of mule deer in him.

[muleyslayer]

From what I've seen, the deer ARE making a comeback. I have started seeing deer in areas I haven't seen them since late 90's, and not just a few. It's been noticeable numbers 

yes I agree I've been seeing more and more deer in my areas.

[buglebuster]

I see mostly characteristics of mule deer in my chukar hunting areas.  mule/black mix on the river for the most part, benchlegs in the beginning of timber to about 5 miles from the crest, and then you start seeing straight blacktail.  The deer at the ski area are blacktail.


Yes, deer are somewhat coming back. Seen 65 total in 12 miles I hiked late last fall.

What about the deer you've killed in the area? What characteristics do they have?

[c.jones]

I would be curious to know if the influx or jump in cougar populations/sightings in these areas has anything to do with the increased pressence of Wolves in Central Wa/ other areas..I dont see cougars tolerating more wolf activity in their home ranges and perhaps heading southward..Curious what others think on this..?