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NDOW reports stronger deer ratios, mountain-goat augmentation and upland-game releases in Eastern Region
Summary
NDOW told the Elko CAB fall flights counted 16,438 deer (highest sample since 2017), buck ratios around 34/100 does and fawn ratios near 64/100; staff also reported a recent mountain-goat augmentation and planned turkey and valley-quail releases.
NDOW presented regional monitoring results showing robust survey numbers in the Eastern Region. Scott Roberts reported the fall flights counted 16,438 deer, noting it was the largest sample since 2017; regionwide buck ratio was reported at about 34 bucks per 100 does and fawn ratio at roughly 64 fawns per 100 does. Roberts described the figures as encouraging after low counts in prior years and said the department is seeing "two good years" in recruitment.
NDOW also summarized recent augmentation and transplant work. Josh Kirk described a mid-November translocation of 16 mountain goats from Utah (including collared nannies), noting initial movements and settlement across the East Humboldts and Rubies. Matt Jeffress said NDOW secured 150 turkeys from Utah over three years and has begun releases, and staff reported successful valley-quail captures and releases aimed at establishing new local populations. NDOW staff also briefed the board on habitat work, including herbicide treatments on ~4,000 acres in Sheep Creek and plans for various range-improvement projects pending funding.
Board members asked about water-haul logistics, partnerships on releases, and next steps for monitoring. NDOW said collaring, harvest-return data and ongoing flights will guide adaptive management.
