Winter kill in the methow

[Mtnwalker]

This winter was really not that hard.  No one remembers the late 70s - early 80s.  Or the late 80's early 90's.  Much much harder winters.  If there is a lack of deer its more than a normaly snow year.

Was the majority of the winter ranged burned off then? Were there several active wolf packs then? Were there lions running free without hound seasons then? Were there homes spread throughout the entire winter range then? The answers are no. I'd say heavy early snows that didn't leave until later in the spring was fairly determental to the low deer populations as well. Also, was this winter a major factor in the low deer population here now? No. Did the winter we have help the population? No.

Exactly my point, then we agree.  Seattle spreading East and the Wolves/Cougars have more to do with.

I couldn't help but laugh at the spandex and Patagonia crowd during my hunt this year, constantly mean-mugging me when I'd go to the store or whatever in my hunting clothes. Pretty clear a lot of them didn't like us mean ol' hunters killing deer in their vacation home sanctuary, as they gobble up the winter range with their Air BnB's

[pianoman9701]

A lot of factors can be contributing - predator spiral, winter kill, loss of habitat, last summer's blue tongue. The deer, especially in the NE and SE have been getting hammered. It's not surprising that people are having trouble finding them. If we were able to manage wolves, cougars, and bears more effectively, I believe that would have a huge positive impact. But as long as we have an anti-hunting Commission, there will be no emphasis on management. The fewer deer and elk we have, the better they like it.

[phildobaggins]

I'm in the camp that the winter kill wasn't massively out of scope.