Fawn Mortality Rates

[NorthernUtahGreyGhost]

Anybody heard any reports of what the DNR is predicting for fawn mortality rates in northern Utah this winter? I heard a report/rumor that southern Idaho was predicting 80% mortality rates for their fawns. I have no idea if that was official DNR reports or just speculation because I can't find anything online but I would assume northern Utah would be similar.

 

[dillon]

Most western states don't come up with a number for fawn mortality until late spring when they do their counts.

They don't always release that information to the public either because they try to keep a positive spin on wildlife from a public relations standpoint.

I usually look at quota numbers that are approved in the spring as an overall mortality indicator.

Dillon
Www.dillonhoyt.com

 

[CATMAN]

I heard that in N/E Utah. Out of the fawns they had collared. They had lost 50%, and this was a couple of weeks ago. I'm sure that number will climb over the next 30 days.

 

[bowhunt]

Idaho always release their fawn mortality rate.
It will usually come out in May

 

[jm77]

Idaho shouldn't lose anything; remember they are feeding deer.

 

[fullthrottle]

I would say North of I-80 is going to feel it, south of there I believe will gradually improve the further south you go the better. Beaver and south of there should be better than last year. IMO.

 

[Clovis]

Idaho IS currently experiencing fawn mortality. As of mid February 25% of collared fawns have died. The Idaho Fish and Game newsletter states that this winter is tracking similar to the 10-11' winter in which collared fawn survival rate was only 29%. I was out 2-26 and saw an alarming amount of dead fawns in Southern Idaho. I witnessed even more dead fawns in a different herd a week prior. On 2-26-17 I noticed that many of the fawns had only recently expired, some in tact with no signs of animal consumption. I witnessed one fawn actively dying, too weak to keep its head held up. There was no snow in these areas as it had melted but the effects of a sustained hard winter were very apparent and were obviously still currently wreaking their havoc on the mule deer despite the snow melt and warmer temperatures the last couple weeks. The Idaho F&G are feeding the deer and elk but it's not logistically possible nor is there enough available resources to feed all the deer in need. A lot of times the fish and game are feeding animals to keep herds away from highways and rancher's haystacks. During hard winters the deer and elk will wander out of traditional wintering areas and into people's backyards into lower elevations. When this happens,these animals are fed to restrict their movements for everyone's safety and well being and not necessarily because the animals are in dire needs for supplemental nutrition. Unfortunately there are many deer that are in need and go unfed as it's the reality. Here is a link talking about this topic from the Idaho F&G
https://idfg.idaho.gov/press/protecting-big-game-doesnt-end-milder-weather