CODY- The Wyoming Game and Fish Department invites the public to engage in a community conversation about mule deer Oct. 14 in Ten Sleep. These conversations are an opportunity for people to visit with their local Game and Fish staff and share their perspectives about Wyoming’s mule deer. 

The meeting will be an informal gathering from 2-4 p.m. at the Senior Center in Ten Sleep on Oct. 14. Local Game and Fish wildlife biologists and game wardens will be available to listen to the perspectives of participants, answer questions and discuss the conservation and management of local mule deer herds. 

“I look forward to hearing what the public's top concerns and questions are about mule deer in the area. This discussion will truly be led by the public and what topics are most important for them,” said Ashleigh Rhea, Worland area wildlife biologist. 

During late fall of 2024, Game and Fish will be hosting additional Mule Deer Community Conversations around the state. A meeting is planned for Dec. 3 in Worland, and additional meetings will be held throughout the Big Horn Basin in December. The final meeting schedule will be available by October 25.

Mule deer are an iconic species in Wyoming, drawing the interest of hunters and wildlife viewers alike. Mule deer populations have been in decline across the west for decades, and Game and Fish works continuously to better understand and conserve this species. A 2023 hunter attitude survey sent to Wyoming resident mule deer hunters demonstrated a strong desire from many to stay involved in updates and conversations about mule deer. Mule Deer Community Conversations are designed to provide an opportunity for Wyomingites to have those discussions.

To learn more about Wyoming’s mule deer and mule deer conversation events happening around the state, visit the Game and Fish mule deer webpage.