FWP hosts workshops to get input for new mule deer management plan
A mule deer buck retreats after encountering a hiker in Lincoln County. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is developing a new Statewide Mule Deer Management Plan and is looking for public feedback through a series of workshops that will give people a chance to ask questions of FWP staff and share their opinions on key mule deer management concepts.
“One of our guiding principles is to maximize the opportunity for public input of all stakeholders and the workshops show our commitment to transparency of agency decisions and rationale,” FWP Director Christy Clark said. “Simply said, the more input from the public, the better.”
In Northwest Montana, the workshop will be held Wednesday, May 14, 5:30-8 p.m. – Region 1 Headquarters Office, 490 North Meridian Road, Kalispell
The new Statewide Mule Deer Management Plan will reflect public concerns FWP has heard over the past several years, as well as the latest science and research around mule deer numbers and management.
The new plan will provide more comprehensive guidance for FWP as it manages mule deer and include strategies and information on management concepts that address hunting harvest, mule deer habitat conservation and herd health.
FWP’s goal is to manage for the long-term welfare of Montana’s mule deer resource and provide hunting opportunities that reflect the dynamic nature of deer populations. Through these public workshops, FWP will get a clearer understanding of what the public wants to see in the Statewide Mule Deer Management Plan, which will help us achieve this goal.
Mule deer population overview
Over the past several years, mule deer populations in Montana have fluctuated, and in many areas declined. The three main drivers for mule deer populations are weather, habitat and disease.
Declining and fluctuating mule deer numbers have concerned both hunters and FWP staff. Assessing the population statewide is complicated. Not every part of the state has the same set of challenges. However, persistent drought and the broadening impacts of chronic wasting disease seem to be widespread.
Each workshop will have breakout group discussions led by FWP staff.