Oregon Deer Population:   An estimated 450,000 deer in 2023 with a state estimate of 155,472 mule deer and a rough estimate based on hunting data of 295,000 blacktail deer.  The state estimates the mule deer population remained steady at 155,000 in 2024 but has been on a long decline.  About 438,000 deer in 2022 with a state estimate of 161,412 mule deer and an estimated 277,000 blacktails.  Deer populations have been on a long general decline from year 1998 when there were state estimates of 260,100 mule deer and 387,000 blacktails for a total of 647,100 deer.  The state estimated 450,000 blacktail deer in 1979.


Heavy snowfall in 2019 and a late winter reduced fawn numbers in many regions.   A mild 2017-18 winter resulted in good survival, but drought in the summer reduced herds in Central and Eastern Oregon.  An estimated 528,000 deer in 2015.  A harsh 2016-17 winter in parts of the state reduced the population.  The state has a small population of Columbian white-tailed deer and less than 15,000 white-tail deer in the eastern part of the state in 2021.  The Oregon deer population has been in a long decline since the 1960's. Oregon 2024 Deer Forecast


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