North Dakota mule deer 21% above long-term average

Badlands mule deer herds faring well, though drought could hinder fawn survival

  • Share on Twitter

  • Share on Facebook

  • Email

North dakota mule deer h1_2

North Dakota mule deer are healthy and stable. Last month, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGFD) completed its annual spring mule deer survey, counting 2,671 mule deer in 306.3 square miles, according to the agency. The results show that the general population is holding steady and, in fact, 21% above the long-term average.

This is encouraging news, particularly with “current mule deer densities across the badlands,” said Bruce Stillings, NDGFD big game management supervisor; however, because of the existing drought conditions, biologists are keeping an eye on fawn recruitment.

“[W]e are concerned that mule deer are beginning the summer with poor rangeland conditions due to the extreme drought across the western part of the state, which could negatively affect fawn survival,” said Stillings.

NDGFD uses the annual spring survey to determine “mule deer abundance in the badlands.” The aerial surveys have been conducted annually for the same 24 study areas since the 1950s.

Gear shop bar 1


  • Share on Twitter

  • Share on Facebook

  • Email

2 Comments

Want to join the conversation?Sign uporlog into post and reply.

Gary  H

Gary H

insider

5/10/2021, 3:17:25 PM

Super excited to hear this as I am sure they will increase the non-resident tags proportionately. NOT lol

Justin Dalby

Justin Dalby

insider

5/7/2021, 9:16:23 PM

An underrated mule deer state. The badlands of ND are an exceptionally beautiful and fun place to hunt this iconic species.

There's no better time to join GOHUNT

Sign up for access to the best research tools, maps, gear shop, and community in hunting