“Fuzzy deer math”

I looked at the whitetail deer data offered in the article. 2020 data showed an estimated harvest of 24,849 deer while the 2022 harvest data (last year) was estimated at 19,182 deer. I fully understand that we just went through two years of a devastating disease outbreak in the Clearwater Region, hence a possible reason for the huge decline in harvest (down 5,667 deer, 23% decline). However, their data also shows a continual decline for the last seven years including five years before the huge disease outbreak. I then read the statement:

“…largely on track for the 10 year average…and the herds are rebounding”.

Here is what I found from their data chart. Harvest has been in a general decline for the last seven years with a high of 30,342 (2015) and last year’s low of 19,182 (2022). A difference of 11, 162 deer harvested or a whopping 37% DECLINE!! The article states: “…largely on track for the ten-year average…whitetail deer are beginning to rebound from the EHD outbreak”.

Going back 10 years for data to try and “bring up or brighten” last year’s horrible numbers is simply “FUZZY MATH” or “data manipulation”. We instead need to be managing for a stable and sustained deer population instead of IDFG’s current “opportunity management” policies.

William Samuels

Orofino