CHEYENNE — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department recently published the 2026 Mule Deer Conservation Strategy, a plan developed in coordination with partners and stakeholders that will help provide guidance on key habitat management and restoration strategies for the state.

Mule deer populations have seen a steady decline in recent decades. Factors including severe winters, disease and loss of habitat remain a priority for management agencies who are working to find solutions they hope will ultimately help sustain and even increase mule deer populations over time.

Building off the past efforts of the Mule Deer and Big Game Migration Initiatives, the strategy takes a three-tiered approach:

• Conserving intact habitat through coordinated, landscape-scale approaches.
• Improving degraded habitat by increasing food availability and connectivity.
• Support the foundation of mule deer conservation through partnerships and fundraising efforts.

The strategy relies heavily on strategic partnerships to collectively address mule deer decline. The broad scope and scale of needs for mule deer requires a statewide and holistic approach to management.

On March 14, Game and Fish Director Angi Bruce attended the 2026 Mule Deer Days event in Rock Springs to discuss the strategy with the public and bring awareness to this new approach. Bruce provided insights from the agency to highlight Game and Fish’s priorities for mule deer management in the coming months and years.

“Mule deer populations are struggling,” Bruce said. “This conservation strategy is aimed at addressing some of the key challenges they are facing through a holistic approach. Our hope is this approach will be adopted by our key partners and stakeholders, making it a strategy for everyone who wants to engage and work towards addressing the stressors mule deer are facing.” 

The Muley Fanatics Foundation, a Wyoming-based nonprofit dedicated to mule deer habitat and population conservation efforts, has been a long-standing partner with Game and Fish on conservation efforts for the species. Foundation president Joey Faigl said the organization works closely with Game and Fish to identify areas where funding is needed in order to address critical habitat issues.

Faigl said a top priority for his organization is to help identify factors that are contributing to mule deer decline throughout the state. By partnering with management agencies that can complete vital habitat projects, his organization is able to maximize use of the funds it raises to go towards long-term conservation solutions for mule deer.

“If an issue affects mule deer or affects hunting, that will be our focus,” Faigl said. “Anything that is involved with improving habitat, research and whatever the top needs may be, that is what we are going to focus on to try and bring back that mule deer population.”

The Mule Deer Conservation Strategy is part of a multi-faceted approach by Game and Fish to provide a cohesive path forward in mule deer management and conservation. The efforts align with the broader Statewide Habitat Plan, which provides guidance on how Game and Fish will move forward with key habitat conservation projects for priority species identified through a careful analysis.

Martin Hicks, Game and Fish deputy wildlife chief, said the strategy places the conservation of mule deer in the hands of Wyoming residents and allows them to help shape the future of the species.

“Wyoming residents care deeply about wildlife, and care about the future of mule deer in our state,” Hicks said. “This strategy is a collective effort to help with mule deer conservation efforts. Whether you are managing working lands, hunting or guiding or simply recreating and enjoying nature, you play an important role in the future of this species.”

Game and Fish will continue to provide updates to the public as the strategy is implemented and moves forward. Game and Fish also will host a Mule Deer Conservation Strategy Summit in November, with the exact dates and locations to be announced later this year. 

More information on mule deer management and strategies can be found on the Game and Fish website. 

—WGFD—