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Southeast Region seeks higher deer objectives after updated data; no immediate permit increases
Summary
Division staff said reworked model inputs increased objectives for three Southeast Region deer units. Staff said the change reflects updated data rather than an immediate population surge and would only allow additional permits if counts reach the new objectives.
Dustin Mitchell, Division staff, presented proposed increases to population objectives on three Southeast Region deer units, explaining that updated model inputs and recent habitat trend data produced higher objective estimates. “It’s not necessarily that we grew more deer; it’s just that it reflects a better number that we have now with the data that we have,” Dustin said.
Kevin, Division staff, summarized public input and recorded one written comment that strongly supported the change. Dustin and RAC members discussed whether the objective changes would immediately translate into additional permits. Division staff said permit numbers are based on post‑hunt buck:doe counts and survival data; raising an objective does not automatically increase permits but creates room for growth and potential future permit increases if the population reaches the new objective.
RAC members asked how quickly units could reach the new objectives. Dustin said the timeline depends heavily on weather and habitat conditions, though improved range‑trend data suggests the three units could support more deer if favorable conditions continue.
Action: The RAC voted unanimously to approve the Southeast Region big game management plan adjustments as presented.
Ending: The division will continue annual monitoring and adjust permits through regular regulatory processes if unit counts indicate the population has reached the new objectives.
