The Red Desert and the larger area surrounding Rawlins contain the highest concentration of Wyoming’s estimated nearly half-million antelope. Typically this region is a safe haven for wildlife during the winter where they will migrate thanks to its abundance of forage. However, radio collars are painting a grisly picture for antelope and mule deer this year, Wyoming Game and Fish Department officials said. 

High winds in the area typically sweep large portions of snow off the ground, but this year, abnormally heavy snowfall and colder temperatures have created layers of deep, crusted snow that animals cannot paw through to reach food. These conditions are even making it difficult for antelope to move, let alone get food. Deer are struggling too. Elk, however, can move better through the snow thanks to their size and can survive on food that deer and antelope cannot properly digest. 

Rawlins area Game and Fish biologist Greg Hiatt said in a recorded report shared with Cowboy State Daily that in one Red Desert antelope herd, 14 of 33 collared animals died in January. “Based on the death of collared animals, roughly half the herd is expected to have died this winter,” he said. In another area (Green Mountain), five of six radio-collared mule deer died in January and February.

Game and Fish is currently setting hunting seasons and tag limits for this fall. Antelope and mule deer herds have already been suffering from hard winters in 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. Because this winter is expected to hit antelope herds hard, the amount of antelope hunting tags issued could be cut in half. Avid hunter Jaden Bales said that although things look bleak for antelope hunting this fall, the herds should make a comeback in a few years. For those who cannot get an antelope tag this year, plenty of whitetail and elk tags will be available.