Antelope Surveys Show Stable Populations
Last week, hunters were notified if they successfully drew an antelope license for the upcoming season. The number of licenses drawn in each hunting district were based on recommendations Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ biologists made after they completed aerial surveys of antelope herds during the last few weeks.
Surveys showed that antelope populations are stable in most regions, with some increases in particular hunting districts. FWP determines the number of licenses issued for each antelope hunting district depending on the summer surveys. The number of licenses can be adjusted within a range approved by the Fish and Wildlife Commission for each hunting district.
“FWP performs antelope surveys in July, provides quota adjustments by the end of that month, and conducts the draw within two weeks,” said Brian Wakeling, FWP game management chief. “This exemplifies how FWP responds to survey data in real time.”
Here is a rundown of what biologists observed during their surveys in the area and how these observations affected antelope quotas.
Region 6
What we saw: Across Region 6, total antelope numbers on aerial summer surveys were near average, as were fawn and buck ratios. Biologists observed an increase in the antelope population in HD 630 and a decrease in HD 650.
What we did: We increased the 630-20 either-sex antelope licenses from 200 to 300, and reduced 650-20 either-sex licenses from 700 to 500, and the 650-30 doe/fawn quota from 250 to 150.
Why we did it: The increase to the 630-20 license will increase adult antelope harvest opportunities in HD 630 where population surveys indicate an above-average antelope population. Although the HD 650 survey yielded 35 percent fewer antelope than last year, the population remains within objective, and the reduction in antelope license levels will help stabilize the population.
The result we are expecting: We expect to increase antelope harvest opportunity in HD 630 together with above-average densities of antelope observed in that district. Based on an average hunter harvest success rate of 50 percent, we expect to harvest an additional 50 antelope with the adjustment. Conversely, reducing the HD 650 license levels by a total of 300 will reduce antelope harvest by approximately 150 antelope.
Region 7
What we saw: Region 7 observed similar total numbers to the 2023 surveys, but there was an increase in fawn ratios from 56 fawns per 100 does in 2023, to 73 fawns per 100 does in 2024. Additionally, there was an observed increase in buck ratios from 41 bucks per 100 does in 2023, to 48 bucks per 100 does in 2024.
What we did: Based on the observations and the new license structure amended and adopted by the Fish and Wildlife Commission during the Dec. 14, 2023, season-setting meeting, we increased the 007-20 either-sex license from 4,250 to 5,000 and decreased the 007-21 either-sex license from 3,000 to 2,500. We also increased the 00730 doe/fawn license from 80 to 750 and decreased the additional opportunity 705-30 doe/fawn license from 1,500 to 750.
Why we did it: With the new license structure, we adjusted the quotas within the approved quota ranges to provide opportunity throughout the region where available based on the population metrics.
The result we are expecting: Based on harvest successes observed in hunting districts through the previous license structure and aerial survey data, we expect that there will be ample opportunity for buck harvest throughout the region at a level that will still provide enough buffer to maintain the biological integrity of the population. Anticipated harvest will be moderate and maintaining low doe/fawn licenses in the northern portion like previous years, we are hopeful to continue to support the potential for population growth.
