The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is seeking Game and Fish Commission approval to identify the Upper Wind River mule deer migration corridor and is gathering public comment. 

The Upper Wind River mule deer migration corridor is primarily used by the Dubois mule deer herd, but also provides vital passage for mule deer from the Sublette herd and Grand Teton National Park. The Dubois herd has decreased in numbers the past 20 years, but not to the degree of statewide declines. This may be partly due to the long-standing use of intact migration routes and winter ranges. Mule deer in this herd migrate distances ranging from five to 90 miles between their high-elevation summer ranges in the Wind River, Absaroka, Gros Ventre and Teton mountain ranges and their low-elevation winter ranges on the eastern Wind River front. 

Based on the current and anticipated threats and considering the existing protections, the department recommends identifying this migration corridor. Although a designation of the corridor is not necessary, it will provide land managers with the best data to voluntarily implement conservation measures and secure additional funding to maintain its functionality.

The deadline to submit comments is 5 p.m. Aug. 9. Written comments and the department’s recommendation will be presented to the Game and Fish Commission before its September meeting in Douglas.

Visit the Game and Fish website to learn more about the identification of the migration corridor and view helpful resources.