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: Game and Fish is a nationwide leader in the science of migration with a wealth of GPS collar data and the longest-documented mule deer migration in the world.
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. 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. 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.
The Department provides the public with opportunities for feedback on and participation in the season-setting process through public meetings and online comments.
Research
Working with research partners Game and Fish has funded and collaborated on extensive research projects with the University of Wyoming. These research projects have focused on studying migration, body condition, disease, survival and predation. The research conducted will help inform future management decisions.
Get involved
Mule Deer Conservation Strategy
The Mule Deer Conservation Strategy seeks to further mule deer conservation through a strategic, coordinated and statewide approach.
Additional resources
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Carrying capacity – how many deer can we have?
Understanding mule deer and antler point restrictions
Illegal harvest and mule deer populations
Fertility control and mule deer population management
Mule deer management and the public process
Managing hunting for opportunity or mature bucks
Population management and objectives
Historical and current mule deer abundance
Arial inventory for mule deer management
Antler point restrictions
Understanding mule deer and antler point restrictions
A critical review of mule deer antler point regulations
Management strategy maps
Deer season opening dates 2024