2023 Wyoming Tag Cuts

Sam Seeton

05/15/2023

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Impact of Harsh Winter on Wyoming Hunting and Tag Allocations

The winter of 2022-2023 started off slow but sadly proved to be a devastating period for wildlife in Wyoming. The severe weather conditions across much of the state, including deep, crusted snow and sub-zero temperatures, resulted in significant winterkill among mule deer and antelope herds. Consequently, wildlife managers proposed substantial reductions to tag allocations at the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission meeting last month to account for the winterkill. This article will explore the consequences of the harsh winter on animals and the implications for hunters.

Crippling Winterkill:

While the entirety of Wyoming saw abnormally harsh winter conditions, the mule deer and antelope herds in Western and South-central Wyoming were particularly hard-hit by the relentless winter conditions. While many herds on the Eastern and North sides of the state faired okay, vast stretches of winter range were covered in deep snow, making it difficult for animals to move and find food. In some western units, collared animal data indicated that more than half of the antelope and deer in some areas perished.

Tag Allocation Reductions:

As a response to the unprecedented winterkill, wildlife managers recommended deep cuts in hunting tag allocations to the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission. Nearly all recommendations were adopted by the commission, with a few exceptions, that only resulted in even more tags being cut. In all, nearly 15,000 tags were cut between mule deer and antelope statewide- over 2/3rds coming from antelope cuts.

Hunters' Dilemma:

Many hunters are grappling with the impact of the harsh winter on their hunting plans, both from a logistical and ethical perspective. The possibility of increased point creep with lower allocations and the need for herds to recover have led some hunters to consider sitting out the fall 2023 hunting seasons, particularly for pronghorn and mule deer. Some hunters are even contemplating not purchasing deer and antelope tags at all, recognizing the importance of allowing game herds to recuperate over coming years. That is one’s own prerogative, but we believe in following the advice of biologists and feel that the cuts were made without profit in mind- only conservation.

Mitigation Measures:

To mitigate the effects of the winterkill, wildlife managers have taken several steps for the fall seasons. In general tag deer hunt areas, specifically the Black Hills region, hunting seasons have been shortened, and several others implemented "point restrictions" like the famed “Region G” units. These restrictions would require hunters to shoot bucks with a certain minimum number of antler points. For both deer and antelope, doe tags took the bulk of the cuts as females are most important for the recovery of the herds, as a single buck can breed with multiple females. Roughly 60% of antelope tag cuts and over 75% of tag cuts on Mule Deer were to doe tags.

Shifting Attention to Elk:

While the winterkill has impacted mule deer and antelope populations, elk herds have shown greater resilience. Although some elk have succumbed to the harsh winter, it was not enough to warrant significant cuts in tag allocations. In fact, Wyoming elk populations remain above target levels so a tag INCREASE of over 2000 tags was decided on. The strong population of elk is a contributing factor to the struggling deer population. Over the years, the Wyoming Game and Fish has taken steps to try to reduce elk herds and even feed elk on the winter range to help keep them from further pushing into deer winter ranges. Though counter intuitive, feeding the elk keeps them from dominating mule deer ranges and their already restricted habitat. This has led to speculation that hunters may shift their focus toward elk hunting, potentially driving down drawing odds for popular elk tags.

Conservation Efforts:

For hunters who choose not to pursue game tags this year, an alternative option is to contribute to wildlife road crossing projects and great organizations like Mule Deer Foundation. One pressing need is the establishment of safe crossings across highways to reduce deer mortality due to roadkill (in some units and states, roadkill accounts for as many deer deaths as hunting does). Donating funds toward such initiatives and organizations can help protect deer herds as they migrate to and from their winter ranges and further fast track the recovery of impacted herds.

The Road to Recovery:

Despite the immediate challenges, the resilience of wildlife and nature’s desire to keep relative homeostasis gives hope for the future. Now the surviving animals enjoy abundant fresh forage, face less competition, CWD is likely to lower (from less contact and more habitat), and more focus on future conservation, herds are primed for a great rebound. The post-winter period may witness an increase in fawn survival, with healthier offspring and a promising future for the populations. Not to mention, inches of rain fall across Wyoming as I write this blog.

Conclusion:

The harsh winter of 2022-2023 has taken a toll on Wyoming's wildlife, particularly mule deer and antelope herds in the South Central and Western part of the state. In response to the devastating winterkill, hunting tag allocations have been significantly reduced in the areas that were hit the hardest. Other parts of the state may remain great options, and limited hunting in impacted areas will still see good hunter success due to less competition from less tag holders. Thanks to great conservation efforts by the state (and, of course, Infinite Outdoors biologists) you can rest assured that the appropriate tag cuts have been made to allow for a speedy recovery or allocations left alone where populations are still thriving. If you draw a tag, go hunt, it can still be great, and that tag wouldn’t be in your pocket if it wasn’t responsible to fill it!

If you are interested in hunting one of Infinite Outdoors' Wyoming deer or antelope properties, please reach out to any of our staff and we can get you booked! All of our available properties are located in areas that did not see tag reductions or large winter kill in 2023.