GREEN RIVER - Assist mule deer management, get a hands-on look at where the Cowboy State’s largest deer herd endures winter and get some exercise to boot, by helping the Wyoming Game and Fish Department with the annual Wyoming Range Mule Deer Mortality Surveys.

According to wildlife biologist and survey coordinator Gary Fralick, the goal of the surveys is to get a sample of winter mortality on the Wyoming Range Mule Deer Herd for an indication of overall loss and what age classes got hit the hardest by the winter conditions.

"Based on this important survey, we can offer some predictions about what the upcoming hunting season may offer to deer hunters who hunt in the Wyoming Range, Greys River and Smiths Fork," says Fralick. "This is our 14th year of doing the mortality surveys and it has always been a successful volunteer effort for the Game and Fish. Everyone is welcome, whether they like to hike or ride horses, we appreciate the public’s help in conducting these important surveys."

Fralick says he anticipates varying levels of mortality depending on the area. "We are expecting low to moderate deer mortality in areas south of Cokeville, around Sage Junction and near LaBarge," he said. "It’s looking like the 2006-07 winter was generous to the Wyoming Range deer herd. However, we all know the higher winter deer survival is a short-term phenomenon, because the severe drought over the last few years has greatly reduced the amount of forage produced on the winter ranges.

"Mule deer enthusiasts still need to remember that the lack of high-quality browse will affect deer numbers during the coming winters. In the Daniel and Pinedale areas, we’re anticipating moderate levels of winter mule deer mortality."

The Cokeville surveys will run Saturday, May 5. Volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. at the Stateline Gravel Pit, three miles southwest of Sage Junction on U.S. Highway 30/89. The Pinedale surveys w ill also run May 5. Volunteers meet at the Pinedale Game and Fish Office at 9 a.m. The Big Piney and La Barge surveys follow the next day, Sunday, May 6. Volunteers should meet at the Big Piney High School, 9:30 a.m. Volunteers are required to fill out a volunteer form to participate.

To sign up or receive more information, contact Gary Fralick at (307) 883-2998. Interested persons may also call the Pinedale Office at (800) 452-9107 or Green River Office at (800) 843-8096.

The Game and Fish supports the Americans with Disabilities Act. Every effort will be made for reasonable accommodations by contacting the nearest Game and Fish office.
(contact: Gary Fralick (307) 883-2998 or Lucy Wold (307) 875-3223)