G&F releases summary of statewide mule deer meetings in 2024

CHEYENNE — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has compiled key concerns and feedback received from the public regarding mule deer management in the state following a series of public meetings and an online comment period.

From August-December of 2024, Game and Fish held 37 Mule Deer Community Conversations across the state. Staff met with members of the public to discuss mule deer management, including how best to address factors affecting mule deer populations.

“These community conversations provided an excellent opportunity for the public to discuss the challenges facing Wyoming’s mule deer. Public understanding and input are crucial to our agency’s work,” said Game and Fish Deputy Wildlife Chief Justin Binfet. “Mule deer face significant issues, from habitat loss to chronic wasting disease. Given the unfortunate declines observed in mule deer statewide, and in the West, we also wanted to check in with the public to gauge their preferences for how to set mule deer hunting seasons going forward.”

Mule deer populations have seen continuous decline throughout Wyoming for decades. Difficult winters, habitat loss and degradation and disease have all played a significant role in reduced numbers. Game and Fish, along with many partners, has been dedicated to addressing these challenges through the implementation of large-scale habitat projects, working to minimize habitat loss, highway crossing projects, research and conservative hunting seasons.

Concerns from the public varied throughout regions. A summary can be found on the G&F website, wgfd.wyo.gov.

In the Cody Region, there was considerable discussion on CWD, including current strategies, the effectiveness of these strategies and future directions.

“Attendees were interested in understanding what has worked elsewhere, how CWD affects different herds and exploring options like hunting regulations (e.g., focusing harvest in CWD hotspots and removing private land restrictions for archery seasons), genetic research for resistance and management of white-tailed deer to directly aid mule deer conservation.”

There was also a focus on education about CWD and disposal of infected carcasses.

Habitat quality and availability were critical concerns expressed in the Cody Region.

“Discussions involved habitat treatments, the impact of grazing by elk, cattle and domestic sheep on mule deer winter ranges, the need for better forest management and the effects of development, fencing and agricultural practices,” reads the summary. “There was a call for improved coordination with federal land management agencies like BLM and USFS to monitor and mitigate grazing impacts and to enhance habitat through projects like early successional habitat creation and wildlife-friendly fencing.”

Key points within the realm of population and harvest management included moving to a limited quota system to protect young bucks and manage population levels more sustainability; adjusting season dates, lengths and types (e.g., archery, muzzleloader) to balance hunting opportunities with population health; addressing issues like hunter crowding, technology use in hunting and the cultural shift toward trophy hunting versus opportunity hunting.

“Proposals for antler point restrictions, region-specific regulations and managing nonresident hunting to reduce pressure on mule deer populations, especially in areas where numbers are low or where CWD is prevalent.”