Iowa House Report

Conceding that counting white-tailed deer is an "inexact science at best", DNR Wildlife Biologist Willie Suchy, in a series of Natural Resources Committee meetings, outlined the different ways that the DNR attempts to put a number on the deer population.

Surveys
Instead of a complete census, the department relies on surveys of the deer population each year. These surveys are merely used to identify population trends. They are not used to directly estimate the total number of deer that are alive at any one time.
The DNR currently uses three techniques to provide deer trend information. One of the original sources of information that is used to keep track of deer populations is the number of deer that are killed on our highways. These numbers have been collected since 1951. A second survey, the spring spotlight survey, was initiated in 1978. This survey is designed to examine changes in deer populations. The final technique is aerial counts of selected areas across the state following the hunting seasons. This survey was first conducted in 1983. All three surveys provide useful information. However, all have their weaknesses as well.

Roadkills
This theory relies on the premise that as the deer herd increases or decreases the number of deer hit should also increase or decrease. The major advantage of this survey is the fact that roads are well distributed throughout the state. This wide distribution along with year-round traffic should provide good coverage of the entire state.
The DOT and DNR share duties in handling deer left on the road. They keep a separate set of records for these deer. The final tally for the year is made combining both sources of information.

Spotlight Survey
In 1978 and 1987 routes were set up across the state. Each route is 25 miles long and follows gravel roads in some of the better deer habitat. The survey begins one hour after sunset in early April. An attempt is made to count the number of deer along specific routes under comparable conditions each year. Because of this, trends should become evident over time. This survey tries to count deer when they are more likely to be out in the open.

Aerial Counts
This survey is designed to try to "see" through cover by placing the observer above the deer about 400 feet up so they can look down and count the number of deer in an area. Complete snow cover is required for this survey in order for the deer to stand out.
There is no question that over the last 20 years there has been a fairly steady trend upward in deer population. The DNR believes that it has in place sufficient measures to reduce the deer population 20-25% by 2007.
The DNR is optimistic about its ability to reduce the deer population through existing tools. However, the majority of Iowans do not share this optimism. In recent weeks, the Legislature has received numerous constituent reports from rural and urban communities regarding the deer population. We are aware that the increasing deer population is a very serious concern. It has far reaching impact that includes our economy and our ability to safely travel.
As in past sessions, the Legislature is ready to respond to the problem. The House Natural Resources Committee has been assigned several bills that address the deer population and I expect that several more bills will be filed before the end of the session. We are committed to ensuring that DNR has and utilizes the necessary tools to reduce the deer population in this state.
The following Committee Bills will be eligible for debate as of Monday, February 14: HF 123, HF 173, HF 186, HF 187, HF 216, HF 222, HF 227, HF 228, HF 247, HF 248, HF 252, and HF 253.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns that you have. I can be reached at chuck.gipp@legis.state.ia.us or by phone at 515-281-3054.