In the southern United States, harsh winters have little effect on whitetail deer populations. But in the Northeast, extensive cold and deep snow can take a significant toll. Animals not only die from lack of food and poor nutrition, but predators like bobcats and coyotes take every advantage of a deer’s weakened defenses and escape capabilities. Good news: Outdoor Life reports that deer numbers are up in three key states.
The Northeast’s mild winter might pay off for northern New England’s deer hunters this coming season.
Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire all have plans to increase the number of hunting permits issued for the coming season, the AP reports. More deer than average survived the light winter, and wildlife regulators across the three states are upping permits to help keep the population at a healthy number… [continued]
Photo: N. Green/Flickr
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