Wildlife biologists predict good hunting season

Sandra Chereb

Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2000 | 10:50 a.m.

RENO, Nev. - State wildlife biologists predict a good big game hunting season in Nevada this fall, despite devastating fires last year that destroyed hundreds of thousands of acres of prime habitat.

Though some big game hunts take place in August and September, hunting season in Nevada typically begins the first weekend in October.

"Traditionally, that's when the most hunters are out in the field at one time," said Nevada Division of Wildlife spokesman Chris Healy.

"The major rifle deer season starts on this weekend. It's also the opening of duck and upland bird season in the majority of the state," he said.

This year, the state Board of Wildlife Commissioners authorized 14,881 resident tags for mule deer bucks; 3,526 resident tags for does; and 4,798 junior resident tags, available to youths ages 12-17.

Wildland fires in 1999 destroyed 340,000 acres of deer winter range in Nevada and 304,000 acres of summer range. This year, 600,000 acres more burned across the state.

And while it might be some time before the full effect of the fire loss is felt by wildlife, biologists say herds appear to be stable.

Aerial surveys after last year's hunting season showed the highest fawn-to-doe ratio since 1986, meaning many of the herds have posted moderate growth.

Additionally, biologists said the majority of the state's deer are less than 4 years old and just entering their most reproductive years.

"The next few years look promising for the state's deer populations," Healy said, "though a harsh winter, more fires or drought could quickly change the scenario."

But this year buck ratios are the highest they've been in nearly two decades and biologists predict hunters will match or surpass last year's 47 percent success rate.

The prospects for elk hunters is also favorable, biologists said. Surveys conducted this year showed a ratio of 36 bulls per 100 cows, up from 30 per 100 in 1999. Calf production is also stable.

Nevada's total elk population is estimated at 5,700, about 300 more than last year.

This year, 596 resident bull tags and 721 cow elk tags were issued in the main draw.

Though Nevada's elk numbers are minuscule compared with other Western states, Nevada is gaining a reputation as the place to bag trophy elk.

Last year, an Oregon potato farmer killed a six-point bull near Tonopah that was the second-largest ever taken by a hunter in North America in the 20th century.