West Virginia drought may lead to smaller deer and antlers this hunting season

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) — Hunters may see some effects from West Virginia’s longest drought in 30 years.

Although the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) said in its 2024 Hunting Outlook that deer harvests will look similar to 2023 , experts from West Virginia University say that the deer and racks might be a little smaller.

West Virginia has been under a drought since July, making it the longest drought in the state in 30 years, according to WVU. And although conditions are starting to improve , some of the damage has already been done.

Because many of the food sources for deer populations were reduced by the drought, deer may not be meeting the nutrition requirements to stay healthy.

WVU Extension wildlife specialist Sheldon Owen said in a WVU Today release that deer health, deer size and even antler development can be affected. Deer, especially females who have been producing milk for their babies, will likely appear “thinner” and even “ragged” while they are shedding their summer coats. Owen said the combination might give deer a sickly appearance.

Malnourished deer are also more likely to get sick. An outbreak of EHD (epizootic hemorrhagic disease) has already been confirmed in three north central West Virginia counties . The disease is more common during drought conditions, and according to Owens, “some landowners can see significant sickness and death in local areas.”

Owens said that reducing deer populations through hunting and planting native vegetation can help mitigate the effects of drought on deer and other wildlife.

If you see a deer that seems sick or is acting abnormally, report it to your regional WVDNR office .

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