New Mexico Deer Management Update

August 2006

After two relatively wet years, a modest recovery in deer populations was observed. This was due to higher fawn production and juvenile survival resulting from improved habitat conditions. However, New Mexico has just experienced one of its driest winters on record. Consequently, this year's productivity and juvenile survival are expected to be low. Although the upcoming (2006-07) season my see some pretty good hunting due to high over-winter survival, expectations for subsequent seasons are not as bright. Until New Mexico experiences some consecutive wet years, further recovery of deer populations will likely be delayed. Some of the hardest impacted areas may even experience declines.

New Mexico is entering its second hunting season where all public deer hunting opportunity is distributed through a public draw. Nearly 33,000 permits were issued through the draw last season (2005-06). Additional deer hunting opportunity on private, deeded acres is provided through private land-only permits issued through the state's general vendors.

The upcoming 2005-06 season will see implementation of a mandatory hunter harvest survey program. Deer (and elk hunters) will be required to submit a report of their hunting effort in order to be eligible to apply for any hunts the following season. Details on how the program will be implemented should be available sometime this fall.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has now been found in two deer and two elk in south-central New Mexico. This location is approximately 60 miles east of the White Sand Missile Range where the first case was detected 4 years ago. This brings the total of CWD positive deer cases to fifteen. Targeted and hunter surveillance continues statewide with emphasis continuing in the outbreak areas.

The winning bid for the 2006 New Mexico Lieutenant Governor's Deer Enhancement Tag was $78,000.00. The auction was conducted at the February 2006 MDF-FNAWS convention in Reno, Nevada. Raffle tickets for the other tag are available by contacting the Mule Deer Foundation. The raffle tag was drawn at a State Game Commission meeting held July 13, 2006 by someone in Utah. Proceeds from the auctions and raffles have netted approximately $150,000.00. Managers are now looking at proposals to put these funds on the ground to improve deer habitat.