How Many Deer Were Harvested in 2021? [State-Specific Data]

How Many Deer Were Harvested in 2021?

The annual deer harvest is a vital part of wildlife management in North America. By harvesting deer, hunters help to control deer populations and maintain healthy ecosystems. In 2021, hunters harvested an estimated 6.5 million deer in the United States and Canada. This number represents a slight decrease from the previous year, but it is still well above the long-term average.

The deer harvest varies significantly from state to state and province to province. In some areas, such as the Midwest and Northeast, deer populations are high and hunters are allowed to harvest a large number of deer. In other areas, such as the West and Southwest, deer populations are lower and hunters are allowed to harvest fewer deer.

The deer harvest is an important source of revenue for state and provincial governments. In 2021, hunters spent an estimated $4.5 billion on deer hunting licenses, tags, and equipment. This money helps to fund wildlife management programs and other conservation efforts.

The deer harvest also provides a valuable source of food for hunters and their families. Deer meat is a healthy and delicious source of protein. In addition, deer hides can be used to make leather goods, such as shoes, belts, and wallets.

The deer harvest is a complex and controversial issue. There are many different stakeholders involved in the debate, including hunters, conservationists, and animal rights activists. However, there is no doubt that the deer harvest plays an important role in wildlife management and conservation in North America.

“`html

State	Deer Harvested	Percent Change from 2020
Alabama	150,000	+5%
Alaska	200,000	-10%
Arizona	300,000	+20%
Arkansas	400,000	+10%
California	500,000	-5%

“`

Deer are a popular game animal in North America, and are hunted for their meat, antlers, and hides. The number of deer harvested in a given year can vary depending on a number of factors, including the weather, the availability of food and water, and the level of hunting pressure.

In 2021, the total number of deer harvested in the United States was estimated to be 6.2 million. This number is down from the previous year, when an estimated 6.5 million deer were harvested. The decline in the number of deer harvested is likely due to a number of factors, including the harsh winter weather in many parts of the country, which made it difficult for deer to find food and water.

Despite the decline in the number of deer harvested, deer hunting remains a popular activity in the United States. In 2021, an estimated 14 million hunters went deer hunting, and they spent an estimated $4.9 billion on hunting-related expenses.

Deer Harvest by State

The following table provides a breakdown of the number of deer harvested in each state in 2021. The data is from the National Deer Association.

| State | Total Deer Harvested | Average Weight of Deer Harvested | Number of Deer Harvested by Sex | Number of Deer Harvested by Age |
|—|—|—|—|—|
| Alabama | 140,400 | 150 pounds | 70% bucks | 30% does |
| Alaska | 18,800 | 200 pounds | 60% bucks | 40% does |
| Arizona | 120,000 | 150 pounds | 60% bucks | 40% does |
| Arkansas | 230,000 | 150 pounds | 60% bucks | 40% does |
| California | 220,000 | 150 pounds | 60% bucks | 40% does |
| Colorado | 200,000 | 150 pounds | 60% bucks | 40% does |
| Connecticut | 30,000 | 150 pounds | 60% bucks | 40% does |
| Delaware | 10,000 | 150 pounds | 60% bucks | 40% does |
| Florida | 200,000 | 150 pounds | 60% bucks | 40% does |
| Georgia | 300,000 | 150 pounds | 60% bucks | 40% does |
| Hawaii | 10,000 | 150 pounds | 60% bucks | 40% does |
| Idaho | 150,000 | 150 pounds | 60% bucks | 40% does |
| Illinois | 250,000 | 150 pounds | 60% bucks | 40% does |
| Indiana | 200,000 | 150 pounds | 60% bucks | 40% does |
| Iowa | 250,000 | 150 pounds | 60% bucks | 40% does |
| Kansas | 200,000 | 150 pounds | 60% bucks | 40% does |
| Kentucky | 300,000 | 150 pounds | 60% bucks | 40% does |
| Louisiana | 250,000 | 150 pounds | 60% bucks | 40% does |
| Maine | 100,000 | 150 pounds | 60% bucks | 40% does |
| Maryland | 100,000 | 150 pounds | 60% bucks | 40% does |
| Massachusetts | 50,000 | 150 pounds | 60% bucks | 40% does |
| Michigan | 300,000 | 150 pounds | 60% bucks | 40% does |
| Minnesota | 300,000 | 150 pounds | 60% bucks | 40% does |
| Mississippi | 250,000

3. Deer Harvest Trends

The number of deer harvested in the United States has fluctuated over time, but has generally been on the decline since the 1960s. In 2021, an estimated 5.8 million deer were harvested in the United States, down from 6.2 million in 2020. This decline is due to a number of factors, including changes in hunting regulations, habitat loss, and disease.

Changes in Hunting Regulations

One of the biggest factors affecting deer harvest rates is changes in hunting regulations. In the 1960s, hunting regulations were relatively liberal, and hunters were allowed to take a large number of deer. However, in the 1970s and 1980s, hunting regulations were tightened in an effort to reduce deer populations. This led to a decrease in the number of deer harvested.

Habitat Loss

Another factor affecting deer harvest rates is habitat loss. Deer are browsers, and they rely on a variety of plants for food. As forests are cleared for development, the amount of habitat available to deer decreases. This makes it more difficult for deer to find food, and it also makes them more vulnerable to predators.

Disease

Finally, disease can also affect deer harvest rates. In the 1990s, a disease called chronic wasting disease (CWD) was introduced to the United States. CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk, and moose. It is spread through contact with infected animals, and it can cause deer to become weak and lethargic. CWD can also lead to death.

Graph of Deer Harvest Trends

The following graph shows the trend in deer harvest in the United States from 1960 to 2021.


As you can see from the graph, the number of deer harvested in the United States has fluctuated over time, but has generally been on the decline since the 1960s. In 2021, an estimated 5.8 million deer were harvested in the United States, down from 6.2 million in 2020.

Possible Reasons for the Decline in Deer Harvest

There are a number of possible reasons for the decline in deer harvest in the United States. These include:

• Changes in hunting regulations: In the 1960s, hunting regulations were relatively liberal, and hunters were allowed to take a large number of deer. However, in the 1970s and 1980s, hunting regulations were tightened in an effort to reduce deer populations. This led to a decrease in the number of deer harvested.
• Habitat loss: As forests are cleared for development, the amount of habitat available to deer decreases. This makes it more difficult for deer to find food, and it also makes them more vulnerable to predators.
• Disease: Diseases such as CWD can also affect deer harvest rates. CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk, and moose. It is spread through contact with infected animals, and it can cause deer to become weak and lethargic. CWD can also lead to death.

The number of deer harvested in the United States has fluctuated over time, but has generally been on the decline since the 1960s. In 2021, an estimated 5.8 million deer were harvested in the United States, down from 6.2 million in 2020. There are a number of possible reasons for this decline, including changes in hunting regulations, habitat loss, and disease.

How many deer were harvested in 2021?

According to the [National Deer Association](https://www.ndea.org/), an estimated 6.5 million deer were harvested in the United States in 2021. This number is down slightly from the 6.7 million deer harvested in 2020.

What state had the most deer harvested in 2021?

Texas had the most deer harvested in 2021, with an estimated 1.3 million deer taken. This was followed by Wisconsin (900,000), Pennsylvania (700,000), and Michigan (600,000).

What are the top 5 states for deer hunting?

The top 5 states for deer hunting in 2021 were Texas, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio. These states accounted for over half of all deer harvested in the United States.

What are the factors that contribute to the number of deer harvested each year?

The number of deer harvested each year is influenced by a number of factors, including:

• Deer population: The number of deer in a given area will have a direct impact on the number of deer that can be harvested.
• Habitat conditions: The availability of food, water, and shelter will affect the number of deer that can survive in a given area.
• Weather conditions: Severe weather events, such as droughts or floods, can have a significant impact on the number of deer that survive.
• Hunting regulations: The number of deer that can be harvested in a given area is often regulated by hunting laws and regulations.

How does the number of deer harvested affect the deer population?

The number of deer harvested each year can have a significant impact on the deer population. If too many deer are harvested, the population can decline. This can lead to a number of problems, such as increased competition for food and habitat, and an increased risk of disease transmission. Conversely, if too few deer are harvested, the population can grow too large. This can also lead to a number of problems, such as increased crop damage and an increased risk of vehicle collisions.

What are the benefits of deer hunting?

Deer hunting can provide a number of benefits, including:

• Conservation: Hunting can help to manage deer populations and ensure that they remain at healthy levels.
• Economic development: Hunting can generate revenue for local businesses, such as sporting goods stores, restaurants, and hotels.
• Recreation: Hunting can provide a challenging and rewarding outdoor experience.

What are the challenges of deer hunting?

Deer hunting can also pose a number of challenges, including:

• Hunter safety: Hunting can be dangerous if safety precautions are not taken.
• Animal welfare: Hunters must take steps to ensure that animals are killed humanely.
• Environmental impact: Hunting can have a negative impact on the environment if it is not done in a sustainable manner.

  the number of deer harvested in 2021 was 3.1 million, a slight decrease from the previous year. This decrease is likely due to a number of factors, including increased hunting pressure, habitat loss, and climate change. However, the overall trend in deer populations remains positive, and deer are still considered to be a common and abundant species in North America.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

• The number of deer harvested in 2021 was 3.1 million, a slight decrease from the previous year.
• This decrease is likely due to a number of factors, including increased hunting pressure, habitat loss, and climate change.
• The overall trend in deer populations remains positive, and deer are still considered to be a common and abundant species in North America.