Mild Winter, Strong Starts: A Wyoming Wildlife Update

Wyoming's winter has been unlike anything most of us can remember.

Central and eastern Wyoming have received very little significant moisture this season. While the western mountain ranges have seen decent snowfall above 8,000 feet, the valley floors remain well below average.

That said, we still have a lot of winter ahead.

Historically, our largest snowfalls arrive in the spring. These storms are typically wet and moisture-rich, meaning we still have ample opportunity to improve conditions before green-up.

Wyoming winters often include extended stretches of below-zero temperatures. Those bitter cold spells can quickly deplete fat reserves in wintering wildlife. Fortunately, that has not been the case this year. 

The good news is that when antlers are shed and new growth begins, strong body condition supports healthy early development. Antelope begin horn growth in early December after shedding the outer sheath, and growth on our buck antelope has been very encouraging so far. 

However, continued horn development will depend heavily on receiving adequate spring moisture. Quality forage from spring snow and rain is essential to carry that growth forward.

In next month's April newsletter, I will provide another update on how the remainder of winter shapes up. By the end of April, we are typically past the threat of extreme cold and major spring snowstorms, giving us a clearer picture of what the year ahead may hold.

Please reach out to the SNS Outfitter office with any question you have:

🌐 Website: www.HuntWyo.com

📞 Phone: 1-307-266-4229

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