DNR Releases 2014-15 Deer Season Results

Maryland hunters harvested 86,883 deer during the archery, muzzleloader and firearm seasons combined (September 5, 2014 through January 31, 2015). The harvest shows a 9 percent decrease from last year’s total of 95,863. Biologists attribute the lower harvest to declines in deer numbers in rural Maryland after last year’s strong harvest, and an abundant acorn crop this year that resulted in reduced deer movement for much of the season.

“The decline in the harvest this year was similar to the drop two years ago and can be expected whenever there is an abundant acorn crop,” said Brian Eyler, DNR deer project leader. “Most counties with extensive oak forests saw much more of a decline than other counties, such as those on the Eastern Shore where harvest levels were very similar to last year. Strong harvests over the past decade have reduced the deer population to more appropriate levels in our rural areas where hunters have better access to property for deer hunting. The challenge remains to effectively manage deer in suburban areas where hunter access is limited and populations remain high.”

The 2014-2015 statewide harvest includes: 27,053 antlered and 56,802 antlerless white-tailed deer; and 1,228 antlered and 1,800 antlerless sika deer.

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