The annual census by the game, fish and parks department recorded an all-time high in antelope herds just last year.

Perkins and Harding counties suffered the greatest loss, but not because of antelope deaths. Luke Meduna, a resource biologist, said that many antelope migrated south to escape the cold weather and have increased the antelope population in Fall River and Butte counties.

Meduna said that the population drop should not affect the antelope hunting season, however.