herd of mule deer in Pinedale region

Mule Deer in Wyoming

Mule deer are an iconic species in Wyoming, drawing the interest of hunters and wildlife viewers alike. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department works continuously to better understand and conserve this species.

The work the Department is doing to conserve your mule deer.

Managing habitat

Habitat improvements: Identifying and restoring crucial habitat remains a priority for the conservation of Wyoming’s mule deer.

 

Wildlife crossing work: In the last five years, Game and Fish, the WYldlife Fund, WYDOT and various partners have completed three significant wildlife crossing projects on major Wyoming highways.

 

Migration corridors: Wyoming is home to the longest documented mule deer migration in the world. Game and Fish is a nationwide leader in the science of migration with a wealth of GPS collar data that helps inform management and policy.

Managing populations

Game and Fish works to provide hunting opportunities while ensuring biologically appropriate levels of harvest. Seasons are reviewed annually to allow changes. When biologists set harvest numbers, they consider:

 

  • What is biologically appropriate for mule deer and their habitats.
  • Private property conflicts.
  • Hunter attitudes and recreational opportunities.
  • Management recommendations outlined in the Wyoming CWD Management Plan.

 

Wyoming’s mule deer hunting seasons have long been conservative, with buck-only harvest allowed in most of the state. Conservative buck-only hunting seasons do not affect the overall health of mule deer populations, although differences between season structures do affect hunter opportunity and hunting quality. Doe survival and fawn production drive population growth.

Collaboration with stakeholders

Each year, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department surveys resident hunters to better understand their perspectives on mule deer management and their opinions about current and future mule deer hunting opportunities. Game and Fish manages mule deer hunting opportunities based on what is biologically appropriate for populations while balancing public sentiment. 

 

The Department provides the public with opportunities for feedback on and participation in the season-setting process through public meetings and online comments.



 

Research

Research from the Science, Research and Analytical Support Unit and the Wildlife Health Lab shapes our understanding of mule deer populations across the state, which Game and Fish uses to make management decisions. Additionally, Game and Fish has funded and collaborated on extensive research projects with the University of Wyoming and other research partners. These research projects will help inform management decisions and have focused on studying migration, body condition, disease, survival and predation.

Get involved

Mule Deer Conservation Strategy

The Mule Deer Conservation Strategy seeks to further mule deer conservation through a strategic, coordinated and statewide approach.

 

View the strategy

 

Learn more about mule deer

Mule deer snapshot

View a quick, visual overview of Wyoming’s mule deer populations, key challenges, and ongoing conservation work in this snapshot PDF.

Mule deer species profile

Explore the Mule Deer Species Profile to discover fun facts about their migrations, big ears and unique gait, seasonal diets, antler growth, and how this iconic Wyoming species survives and thrives.

Mule Deer Initiative

Explore the Mule Deer Initiative to see how partners across Wyoming are working together on habitat projects, migration corridor protection, and on-the-ground efforts to conserve this iconic species for the future.