Louisiana Wildlife Officials Estimate 1 Million Deer Using Advanced Population Modeling

The Louisiana Legislature convened on September 4, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and deer population management in the state. The meeting focused on the state's strategies for monitoring deer populations and the implications of CWD on wildlife management.

The discussion began with an examination of the historical context of CWD, noting that it originated as a Western disease, which limited the availability of examples from the Eastern United States. This lack of precedent contributed to a shift in policy regarding aggressive mitigation efforts, which were eventually reversed. The legislators acknowledged the complexities of establishing a direct cause-and-effect relationship between policy changes and the disease's spread.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to understanding how Louisiana monitors its deer populations. Officials explained that while they cannot measure deer distribution or herd size at the parish level, they rely on harvest statistics to gauge population dynamics. The state employs advanced modeling techniques to estimate the overall deer population, which is currently approximated at around one million. This estimation process involves reconstructing the population based on known harvest data and age distributions of harvested deer.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for continued monitoring and research to effectively manage deer populations and address the challenges posed by CWD. Further discussions are expected as the state seeks to refine its strategies and ensure the health of its wildlife resources.