Published
1 year agoon
By
Ron RichterIn anticipation of big and small game hunting seasons opening in Wyoming, the Game and Fish Department has released its 2023 hunting forecast from eight regions around the state. The forecast for the Sheridan region indicates that pronghorn numbers have declined in recent years for various reasons, including harvest, drought, disease and weather conditions, and the largest declines have been in the Gillette area. However, populations have stabilized across most of the region. Quotas have been adjusted to reflect decreased populations.
Mule deer populations throughout the region have been impacted by severe drought and disease-related mortalities since 2019 and weather conditions during this past winter. Harvest strategies are designed to provide buck hunting opportunities with limited antlerless deer harvest. Increased precipitation in 2023 has reduced the drought intensity, and the doe-to-fawn ratios should positively respond to the increased moisture and improved forage. Hunting opportunities are expected to be similar to 2022.
All white-tailed deer hunt areas offer both October and November hunting seasons for any white-tailed deer, and many doe/fawn seasons extend into December, allowing ample opportunity for harvest. Most white-tailed deer are found on private land, with limited public land hunting opportunities. Hunters are encouraged to secure private land access before purchasing a white-tailed deer license. To view the Sheridan region hunting forecast for elk, moose, and upland game, along with all of the other regions, click here.