CASPER - As Wyoming’s mule deer navigate the critical transition from winter to spring, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is highlighting the essential role of mountain mahogany and the proactive steps being taken to revitalize this primary food source.

Mountain mahogany is a cornerstone of Wyoming’s landscape, providing high-protein browse crucial to the survival of big game, particularly during the harsh winter months. However, much of the state's mountain mahogany stands are aging, leading to a decline in nutritional quality.

“Mountain mahogany is drought-tolerant, hardy, and long-lived, with typical lifespans exceeding 100 years,” said Willow Bish, Casper Region terrestrial habitat biologist for Game and Fish. “The challenge is that as these plants get older, they become woody and tough. They lose their nutritional 'punch,' making them less palatable and harder for animals like mule deer to utilize effectively.”

To combat this, Bish is implementing strategic treatments designed to "reset" the clock on these ancient shrubs. By utilizing mechanical tools to cut back old, stagnant branches, this process mimics the rejuvenating effects of natural wildfires.

This process triggers a "sprouting" response in the plant. Within the first year of treatment, the mountain mahogany produces new, tender shoots that can provide up to ten times more food for wintering big game than untreated plants.

“We are seeing fantastic results from these projects,” Bish added. “Even in the face of drought or localized caterpillar damage, these treated shrubs thrive. By giving nature a helping hand, we are ensuring that the habitat can support healthy, robust mule deer populations for years to come.”

To provide the public with a closer look at these management efforts, Game and Fish has released a short educational video showcasing the treatment process in the field. The video can be viewed on the Game and Fish YouTube channel and other official social media channels.

Habitat restoration for mule deer and all wildlife remains a top priority for Game and Fish, as healthy habitat is the foundation of Wyoming’s wildlife management.