2006 Deer Forecast

2006 Ohio Deer Harvest forecasted to be down over 2005

In an interview with Ohio Division of Wildlife Biologist Mike Tonkovich Ohio Valley Outdoors was told that the liberal harvest regulations continue to effect Ohio’s deer herd. The fall 2005 statewide population was projected to be down roughly 10%; however final harvest figures were down 4% and reported deer-vehicle accidents dropped nearly 9%. The declines according to Mike were due largely to the 2004 regulations and to a lesser degree, liberal seasons from 2002 forward. The expanded harvest opportunities in 2005 appear to have been sufficient to sustain this gradual reduction in the statewide deer herd. This fall the statewide population is projected to be down approximately 10% from last year, putting the statewide herd at approximately 600,000 deer. Although Mike predicts the 2006/07 harvest to be down approximately the same as last year he also adds the additional weekend shotgun season may mean a total harvest on par with last season.
Looking at food sources at the time of this interview Mike said the mast crop surveys were not complete but in the eastern and northeastern part of the state it looks to be nearly as good as last year.
Last year harvest figures for our area are included

WV Deer Forecast

West Virginia Department of Natural Resources Paul Johanson told Ohio Valley Outdoors that he expects a good 2006 deer season in the mountain state.
Several parts of the state have amended regulations as to season and bag limits in an effort to adjust deer herd levels.
Johanson told us that the northern part of the state or District 1 which includes: Barbour, Brooke, Hancock, Harrison, Marion, Marshall, Monongahela Ohio, Preston, Taylor, Tucker, and Wetzel counties have continued with the states most liberal deer limits which indicates the herd levels have remained at or near the divisions desired numbers.
Johanson points out that some dates have changed in District 1 so hunters should check the regulations before heading out to hunt.
As to food sources Johanson indicated that at the time of this publication all the mast crop and other date was not complete but early reports were the 2006 would be about as good a year in mast products as 2005 was.
All and all The Dept Chief told us the he expects 2006 harvest to be at or just under the 2005 level and the fact that the buck harvest in 2004 and 2005 was below normal should mean that West Virginia hunters may have the best chances in some to try to harvest a trophy 3 year or older animal.

Pennsylvania Game
Commission Deer Outlook

The following is a statement supplied by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and does not reflect an Ohio Valley Outdoor interview.
As Pennsylvania enters its fifth year of antler restrictions, deer hunting continues to improve in terms of quality and opportunity.
Speaking about our area Regis Senko, Game Commission said "The Northwest Region is unique because of the variety of habitats where deer are found." The Northwest Region includes: Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer; Venango and Warren counties.
He also stated that "Early reports indicate thick vegetation and an abundant berry crop. Due to a late frost, food conditions, while better than 2003 and 2004, are not expected to approach the abundance that we enjoyed in 2005. The Northwest Region has the swamps and wetlands that provide refuge for deer to gain age - which is a key factor in antler development. This coupled with the abundant food and a mild winter in 2005 will make for some impressive racks based on early reports form the field."
"As deer numbers have been reduced in various wildlife management units, preseason scouting becomes increasingly important. Deer densities vary greatly from the edge of suburbia near major population centers to remote wooded areas found within the Allegheny National Forest. This is one area where there is a direct correlation between a hunters pre-season scouting effort and their in-season success rate." Senko said.