I really would prefer to avoid obligating the state to go to a quota system for residents. I have known for some time that most of our harvest is predominantly coming from the non-resident side. I believe we can make some pretty good changes and agree that energy is building to make something happen.
I believe in some areas habitat can be a factor; however, with the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Trust, I think money is for projects is no longer the issue. I would like to see more effort to set back plant succession, release or restore healthy aspen stands, interject Forbes and key browse components where they are lacking. Having said that, I believe we must be honest about habitat and stop placing most of the blame on poor habitat.
Three factors I see that must be addressed; impacts of predation on production and recruitment; reduce wildlife/vehicle collisions via increased placement of under/over passes on critical migration corridors; and we must change the current culture of mule deer hunting. A fourth factor could also be added, one which WY SFW has asked for before but to been unsuccessful in obtaining; the establishment of a critical winter feeding program and protocol for when that program will start and end.
I believe, for the most part, sportsmen desire to see our mule deer herds restored. Some are even willing to start imposing either a quota system or even close the season for a few years. To me the first question we all need to ask is: How serious are we when it comes to saving mule populations throughout the west? Are we truly willing to do whatever it takes? In my opinion, state wildlife agencies have spent too much time managing on a macro level. Mule deer have been struggling for far too long and we must demand more from our state wildlife management agencies. I believe sportsmen can take charge of this issue, and based on how we respond to it, will determine if we continue to have maximum hunting opportunities or if we need to rein in opportunities to save mule deer as a species. I believe that Wyoming is fortunate in that we have just over a half a million people residing in our state. Being the 9th largest state with almost 98,000 square miles, we have a lot of open spaces and abundant wildlife populations. I believe we have the best chance to save mule deer for these same reasons. Furthermore, I believe we can fix it without going into a quota system or stopping hunting season for an extended period. As soon as our legislative session (after the first week in March), WY SFW will be hosting meetings across the state. Once I believe we have consensus, I will post something up on MM for those that cannot attend some of our local meetings.