• Promising survey results indicate recovery amid ongoing management efforts

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department recently conducted its annual aerial surveys to assess the mule deer populations in the Jackson and Pinedale regions. Wildlife managers collected crucial classification data for the Wyoming Range and Sublette mule deer herds, focusing on recovery following the harsh winter of 2022-23, which resulted in significant mortality.

Data from the December surveys indicated promising trends. The Wyoming Range Herd saw an impressive fawn ratio of 83 fawns for every 100 does, a substantial increase from just 34 fawns per 100 does the previous year. “That’s a huge increase,” remarked Angi Bruce, Game and Fish Director, highlighting the importance of these figures for future hunting regulations.

Long-term research, conducted in collaboration with the University of Wyoming, shows that mule deer entered this winter in good body condition, with adult females averaging a body fat percentage of 12.9%. “Not as much snow over there, so the mule deer dispersed over the winter range. When they are less together, it leads to a healthy reproductive spring,” Bruce explained.

The Sublette Deer Herd also demonstrated positive results, with a total of 7,645 mule deer counted, yielding a fawn ratio of 76 fawns for every 100 does—the highest since 2006. “All signs are there that they are bouncing back, but we’re not out of the woods yet,” Bruce cautioned.

As mule deer populations recover, wildlife managers are considering adjustments to hunting season structures. “We will be proceeding with caution. We don’t want to get those harvest numbers back up because, like I said, we aren’t out of the woods yet,” Bruce emphasized.

With careful management and ongoing research, Wyoming’s mule deer herds are on a promising path toward recovery.