Wolves in Wisconsin

[Broadside]

I realize this video is from 2007, but...

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline ... 0s22a3q81f

According to this video, there are 1.5 million whitetail deer in Wisconsin. The hunters are complaining that the estimated 350 wolves are "decimating" the deer herd. How many deer does one wolf eat in a year? The numbers don't add up to me.

[dthunder]

I think bstout lives in Wisconsin. Are there too many deer? 1.5 million seems like a lot. 350 wolves seems like a small number for such a big state with a lot of big national forests. I would think it could supprt several thousand.

[Cossack]

I realize this video is from 2007, but...

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline ... 0s22a3q81f

According to this video, there are 1.5 million whitetail deer in Wisconsin. The hunters are complaining that the estimated 350 wolves are "decimating" the deer herd. How many deer does one wolf eat in a year? The numbers don't add up to me.

Studies show that (one) wolf accounts for an average of 14 deer per year. Minnesota now has the largest wolf population in the lower 48, some 3,000. I can tell you from personal experience that they do affect deer numbers. The spot I used to hunt as very few deer after the wolves moved in. First introduced in a federal refuge, they are now spreading to other areas once deer are depleted. Have seen wolf sign behind the house, 7 miles from town and 30 from the refuge.
On the bright side, once wolves move in coyotes vanish.

[frisky]

Are there to many deer in Wisconsin? NOT where I hunt! I think they count the same deer twice or more.

[cevans]

the presence of wolves will move the deer as well as around me,,the presence of the coyote packs will do the same thing. I have seen the deer move from one woods to another even crossing a large river if need be just get away from them.