Winter Losses of Deer Termed "Normal"

WATERBURY, VT - The winter of 2005 was rated average and winter deer mortality was normal, according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.

Winter weather was measured as average based on winter severity index data collected from weather stations around the state. The winter severity index is based on the number of days from December 1 through May 1 with snow depths of 18 inches or more and/or below-zero temperatures.

This year's statewide total of 46 points is slightly milder than the average of 55. It is considerably less than the 84 points recorded in 2003 and the 94 points recorded in 2001. As a result, state wildlife biologists did not expect to find exceptional winter mortality, and the results of dead deer searches conducted in April and early May suggested that was the case.

Selected wintering areas around the state were examined by department biologists and citizen volunteers for numbers and condition of dead deer. The observers also examined the wintering habitat to assess vegetation condition.

The condition of the deer at the time of their death ranged from good (from accidental or hunting mortality) to poor. The quality of wintering habitat also ranged from good to poor. Some heavy browsing was detected, but this was heavily influenced by nearby artificial feeding.

"Every winter, even the mildest, brings some level of mortality to the deer population," said Director of Wildlife Dr. Craig Mc Laughlin. "This year, biologists found what would be considered a normal number of dead deer in the wintering areas they examined, and the carcasses were mostly older does and fawns, age groups that would be expected."

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For Further Information please contact: John Buck at 802-241-3712 or email to john.buck@anr.state.vt.us