Our Summary
As you worked your way through this publication, you may have realized that managing
mule deer and public expectations is complex. The hey days of the 1950s, when
fire and other natural forces enhanced habitat for mule deer and favored them over
other species, are gone.
 Given the permanent loss of winter and summer mule deer range that has occurred, it
is not likely that we could ever return to mule deer population numbers that existed in
middle of the last century. It is, however, possible to improve habitat management
practices, reintroduce fires, reduce the spread of invasive species and focus on other
factors that have contributed to the loss and decline of mule deer numbers. But it is also important to recognize that despite these and other
well-intentioned efforts, many other factors such as climate are outside of human control.
Efforts to increase mule deer populations will require tremendous coordination that crosses political boundaries. These efforts may force each of
us to make choices about expanding the communities where we live, or allowing exploration for minerals and gas in undisturbed wilderness.
The Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is facing the challenge with a cooperative, realistic approach in the hopes that stable,
healthy mule deer populations can once again grace the western landscape for present and future generations.
WAFWA Mule Deer Working Group
Mule Deer, Changing Landscapes, Changing
Perspectives, is a series of non-technical articles based on
technical papers from the book, “Mule Deer Conservation: Issues and
Management Strategies” Published by The Berryman Institute, Utah
State University.
The contents of this web page may be
photocopied or reprinted for noncommercial purposes using the
citation listed below:
Mule Deer Working Group. 2003. Mule Deer:
Changing landscapes, changing perspectives. Mule Deer Working Group,
Western Association of Fish and Wildlife
Agencies.
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