Why has the deer population decreased in Colorado?

Populations have been declining over the last several decades due to human population growth resulting in habitat loss and vehicle collisions, as well as other factors like climate change, malnutrition, diseases like chronic wasting disease, and predation.

Are mule deer numbers declining?

Wyoming — “Mule deer populations have declined since the early 1990s and by an estimated 202,000 (42%) since 2000.

Where is the best mule deer hunting in Colorado?

Middle Park, State Bridge, and unit 44 historically offer better odds for trophy hunters. Units 41, 42, and 421 are always good areas for bucks also.

Are mule deer in Colorado?

Mule deer are commonly found throughout Colorado’s mountains and foothills, and are most active at dawn and dusk.

Is Colorado overpopulated with deer?

Colorado’s statewide deer population declined from roughly 600,000 deer in 2006 to approximately 433,000 in 2018.

Are there too many deer in Colorado?

Colorado Deer: The state estimated the post-hunt deer population at 427,570 in 2020; 418,310 in 2019. Estimated, post-hunt deer population of 433,140 deer post-hunt in 2018, up from 418,800 post-hunt in 2017; 418,500 deer in 2016, a decline in part as a result of a harsh winter.

Are mule deer friendly?

When deer become habituated to the presence of humans, they lose their natural wariness of humans. Although deer may look cute and harmless, they can become very aggressive to people and dogs, according to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW).

What county in Colorado has the most mule deer?

1. Colorado: Colorado is king no matter how you slice the data. It puts out the most and biggest record mule deer bucks of any state in the country. Looking at the last 10 years, for typicals, Eagle, Garfield and Archuleta Counties are the strongholds with 18, 16 and 11 entries respectively.

Can you buy over the counter mule deer tags in Colorado?

But in over-the-counter archery units, bowhunters can target mule deer before and after rifle hunters in the early and late archery seasons. Colorado sells “statewide” either-sex and cow-only archery over-the-counter tags, which are valid in most of the state’s game management units.

How long do mule deer live in Colorado?

9 to 11 years
Mule deer usually live 9 to 11 years in the wild. For decades, western Colorado has been home to some of the country’s largest mule deer herds.