Klickitat
Area Black Tailed Deer Management
Eric Holman, Field Biologist
The annual
spring survey of black tailed deer on and near the Klickitat
Wildlife Area was conducted on the 7th and 8th of March 2005.
A total of 504 deer were observed during the effort with 462
classified. The number of classified deer was similar to 14
year average of 567 deer.
More significant
than the total number of deer observed, however, is the annual
ratio of fawns to adults. Young deer are more likely to succumb
to harsh winter conditions and food shortages; therefore the
ratio provides a barometer for winter severity. During severe
winters, fawns suffer mortality at a greater rate than adults
thereby reducing the ratio of fawns to adults.
This year's
survey resulted in a ratio of 60 fawns per 100 adult deer.
Reflective of the extremely mild winter, 60 fawns per 100
adults represents the third highest ratio observed in the
26 year history of the survey and is significantly higher
than the long term average of 46 to 100. The 2005 survey indicates,
as expected, that the deer present on or near the Klickitat
Wildlife Area suffered very little in the way of winter losses
during 2004/05. This year's spring survey represents the fifth
consecutive year with winter fawn survival above average.
Additionally,
the Klickitat spring survey serves as a predictor of hunting
success during the coming fall. Historically, years with relatively
high over winter survival of fawns have been associated with
relatively large harvests of deer in GMU 588 during the following
hunting season. This relationship is based on two fairly straightforward
principals. First, mild winters and higher than average over
winter survival means that more adult bucks are likely to
survive from one year to the next and therefore be available
for harvest during the fall following a mild winter. Second,
mild winters and higher than average fawn survival means that
more yearling bucks will be entering the fall population.
In GMU 588, roughly 60% of yearling bucks have at least two
antler points on one side and are therefore legal for harvest.
Provided that the relationship between mild winters and hunter
harvest continues, many legal bucks should be available during
the 2005-hunting season in GMU 588.
Game Management
Unit 588 (Grayback) is open for General Season Modern Firearm
Deer Hunting from October 15 31. Hunters are restricted to
two point or larger bucks. From 2000 through 2004, rifle hunters
in the Grayback harvested an average of 762 bucks per year
for a combined success rate of 23%.
GMU 588
is also open for Early Season Archery Deer Hunting from September
1 30 and Late Season Archery Deer Hunting from November 23rd
to December 8th. Archers may harvest either 2 point or larger
bucks or antlerless deer. From 2000 through 2004 bow hunters
in the Grayback harvested an average of 49 bucks and 109 antlerless
deer per year, enjoying a combined 19% success during the
period.
Finally,
GMU 588 is open during the Modern Firearm Late Buck Season
for Special Permit Holders Only. In 2005, 65 permits have
been awarded to the successful applicants. Late season permit
holders in GMU 588 may hunt from November 17 20 and are restricted
to two point or larger bucks. From 2000 through 2004, Late
Buck Special Permit Holders in GMU 588 have enjoyed an average
of 63% success.
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