HD441 probably accounts for the observed 14% decline in total buck harvest compared to 

 earlier years. The number of 4 point bucks in the harvest increased in HD441 (1985-89, 52% 

 were 4-point or greate^; 1990-93, 70% were 4-point or greater). Using HD442 as a 

 comparison, 55% of the bucks harvested were 4-point or greater during 1985-89, and 48% 

 from 1990-93, a decrease of 7%. Hunter success increased by 13% in 441 and 8% in HD442 

 and hunter days increased by 58% in HD441 and 17% in HD442. Numbers of hunters 

 increased by 49% in HD441 and 2% in HD442. 



In general, under the permit season, mule deer numbers, total harvest, buck harvest, percent 

 4 points harvested, hunter success, hunter days, and number of hunters all increased in 441. 

 During this same period, only the percent bucks harvested, hunter days and number of 

 hunters increased in HD442 (Table 8). 



IV. Season Ending November 15 



Purpose: A three week buck mule deer season, ending on November 15, was 



established HDs 204, 240, 250, 261, and 270 in 1992. The early 

 closure was intended to end the hunt before the rut. However, it should 

 be noted that the rut begins as early as November 1 , at a time when 

 most deer in this area have already migrated to their winter ranges. 



Results: The buck harvest dropped the first two years but increased again in 1994 once 

 hunters learned that the rut was on and the bucks were vulnerable at low elevations. Mule 

 deer classifications post-season also followed a similar pattern. In 1992, the buck/doe ratio 

 increased to 9.5/100 from the previous four year average of 6.4/100. In 1993 the ratio again 

 increased to 11.6/100. In 1994, with the increase in harvest, the ratio declined 



to 8.1/100. The results from this area indicate the hunting season would need to end about 

 October 25 to reduce the vulnerability of bucks during the rut. 



37 



