Deer – Impacts on Forest Ecology and Management

Wisconsin Deer Population

Whitetail deer are abundant in Wisconsin. In 2000, Wisconsin set a national record for number of deer harvested, and has been the top deer harvest producing state over the past decade. For late-summer 2006, the whitetail deer population is estimated at 1.5 to 1.7 million animals. In most regions and management units, the deer herd remains well above population management goals.

Wisconsin deer population goals and actual deer populations have increased between
1960 and 2003 (WDNR graphic).