Deer classifications for the Sheridan Region completed in mid-December have been compiled and analyzed, showing an overall high buck-to-doe ratio and a lower fawn-to-doe ratio than the recent average.

WGFD personnel annually conduct deer classifications in November and December, with data collected on the number of bucks, does and fawns observed. In addition to the total number observed, bucks are further divided into yearling and adult categories. The surveys provide wildlife managers with estimates of fawn production, percentage of bucks in the herds and fawn survival from the previous year.

This year, personnel counted and classified 10,739 mule deer, up from 9,717 classified in 2017. The surveys are not total counts of the herds, but rather a representative sample of the population.

Overall results for the Sheridan Region, which covers much of northeast Wyoming, revealed a ratio of 59 fawns per 100 does and 45 bucks per 100 does.

“This is a high buck to doe ratio which indicates a good number of older-aged bucks in most hunt areas,” said Sheridan Region Wildlife Coordinator Dan Thiele.

In 2017, 67 fawns per 100 does and 41 bucks per 100 does were recorded.

“We would want to see a higher fawn to doe ratio, but a tougher 2017-2018 winter in some areas north of Interstate 90, which is the northern part of the Sheridan Region, may have contributed to and affected the fawn ratios this year,” he added.

In addition to mule deer, WGFD employees classified 4,225 white-tailed deer, with a buck to doe ratio of 38 to 100 and a fawn to doe ratio of 70 to 100.

In total, 14,964 deer were observed, counted and classified by gender and age.

Year-to-year and long-term trend population variations can occur due to a variety of factors including weather or other environmental conditions. This year’s classification data will be used to estimate populations and set hunting seasons for 2019.