Warm winter/ wet spring

[Bigjay73]

How much difference can 1 warm winter and wet spring make to elk/deer/pronghorn herds? I have to imagine there was very little winter kill this year in Colorado, and it could be a rainy May. I know the elk I have seen in the last few weeks have looked pretty healthy, but will 1 year of favorable conditions for animals make any noticable change in herd numbers?

 

[belshawelk]

it really helps with antler growth. I assume like cattle the mortality is down, for elk especially from lions.

 

[nrpate05]

Since the 22/23, each winter we have had in eastern Idaho/NW Wyoming has been average to below average and all the research says mule deer and antelope are rebounding. Elk weren't impacted too much from that winter and they're doing quite well. If this summer is hot and dry it could be a big setback in some areas. Hoping for a mostly cool and wet spring/summer. If not for the terrestrial wildlife, then for the cold water fish and general water on the landscape.