ACK Deer Population

Long extinct on Nantucket, the founders of the current herd were brought to the island in the 1920's

Current Population (per MassWildlife):

8,000–12,000 deer | 175+ per Square Mile

Projected in 5 Years:

12,000–15,000 deer | 250+ per Square Mile

Mass Fisheries & Wildlife Board Goal:

860 deer | Less than 18 per Square Mile

Yes, It's Really That Many

MassWildlife has highest confidence in ACK population estimate of all Wildlife Management Zone estimates
Supported by 2024 Deer Harvest: 871 reported + unreported
Total 2024 Deer Deaths: ~2,000
Smaller herd estimates wouldn’t support 2,000 deaths while continuing observed herd expansion