LANDER - The Wyoming Game and Fish Department will be accepting public comments on the Mule Deer Initiative through midnight May 16.

The purpose of the initiative is to identify challenges facing mule deer in Wyoming and strategies that can be used to sustain or improve mule deer populations and their habitat. The Game and Fish’s Mule Deer Working Group, comprised of wardens and biologists with expertise in the various aspects of mule deer management, crafted the initiative.

According to Daryl Lutz, Casper Region wildlife management coordinator, mule deer populations peaked in the 1950s and 1960s. Since that time they have declined markedly throughout the West.

"Mule deer in Wyoming are economically important to the state and the Game and Fish," he says. "To many, mule deer symbolize Wyoming’s wildlife heritage."

Unfortunately, mule deer in Wyoming and throughout the West are finding survival in today’s world more difficult. Many possible reasons for mule deer declines are addressed in the initiative, but habitat (or lack thereof) seems to be key. Altered fire intervals, invasive plants, historically heavy use by ungulates, habitat conversion and fragmentation, and climatic extremes such as drought and severe winters have all negatively affected mule deer habitats.

Other issues include competition with elk, white-tailed deer, and other species, predation, hunting season frameworks and diseases. The initiative addresses all of these issues and provides strategies to address each one.

Once the Game and Fish Commission approves the initiative, implementation will take place at the local level in key mule deer herds. On April 25-26 the department held public meetings to discuss the initiative and take comments. If you were unable to attend, you still have time to make your thoughts known. The Game and Fish encourages you to go online and look at the plan and then send in your thoughts and suggestions.
(contact: Erin Smith (307) 332-2688)