August 21, 2024 |
Photo – Mule deer doe – Courtesy WY Game & Fish
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department will hold two public meetings in northern Carbon County to discuss declining mule deer populations.
On Thursday evening, Game and Fish will be in Elk Mountain to speak with locals about thinning mule deer herds. Laramie Region Biologist Teal Cufaude said the meeting will allow residents to have a casual discussion about mule deer conservation.
Attendees will be given the opportunity to provide their opinions on why mule deer populations are declining. Cufaude explained that there isn’t a single reason for the shrinking mule deer herds.
On top of habitat loss and disease, Cufaude said predation is also reducing deer numbers. The biologist is asking Elk Mountain residents to discuss why they think the local mule deer population is declining.
An Elk Mountain resident told Bigfoot99 that many locals think the mule deer hunting season should be suspended for a year to allow the herds to recover. Cufaude said she expects to discuss the hunting season during Thursday’s meeting. However, the Game and Fish biologist said hunting is only one factor affecting the deer herds. Cufaude added that the hunting season will not be changed at the Elk Mountain meeting.
Thursday’s meeting is the first mule deer discussion scheduled in Carbon County. Cufaude said the following Thursday, Game and Fish will meet with Medicine Bow residents. Future discussions will occur in other towns later in the year.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Mule Deer Community Conversation in Elk Mountain is tomorrow, August 22nd, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Elk Mountain Park, located at the corner of Main and Chokecherry Streets. Attendance is free. Light refreshments will be provided.
