The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has compiled key concerns and feedback received from the public regarding mule deer management in the state following a series of public meetings and an online comment period.

From August-December 2024, Game and Fish held 37 Mule Deer Community Conversations across the state. Staff met with members of the public to discuss mule deer management, including how best to address factors affecting mule deer populations.

“These community conversations provided an excellent opportunity for the public to discuss the challenges facing Wyoming’s mule deer. Public understanding and input are crucial to our agency’s work,” said Game and Fish Deputy Wildlife Chief Justin Binfet. “Mule deer face significant issues, from habitat loss to chronic wasting disease. Given the unfortunate declines observed in mule deer statewide, and in the West, we also wanted to check in with the public to gauge their preferences for how to set mule deer hunting seasons going forward.”

Mule deer populations have seen continuous decline throughout Wyoming for decades. Difficult winters, habitat loss and degradation and disease have all played a significant role in reduced numbers. Game and Fish, along with many partners, has been dedicated to addressing these challenges through the implementation of large-scale habitat projects, working to minimize habitat loss, highway crossing projects, research and conservative hunting seasons.

Concerns from the public varied throughout regions. From predator management to CWD research and habitat loss, commenters provided their insight into mule deer management in the areas they live and hunt, and offered suggestions for solutions to key issues.

“We appreciate the feedback and involvement from meeting attendees,” Binfet said. “Transparency and cooperation with stakeholders is a priority, and these meetings fostered strong connections between the public and local Game and Fish personnel.”

A full summary of each region’s key concerns and feedback can be found on the Game and Fish website, along with other resources and information on mule deer in Wyoming.

More on mule deer in other regions and states from the 2025 Deer Report:

Overall, mule deer are abundant and classified as a species of least concern; meaning their numbers are adequate in the wild. Half of the member agencies in the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies report stable mule deer populations, while Oklahoma and South Dakota are experiencing slight increases in their mule deer populations. Fortunately, the number of jurisdictions with decreasing mule deer populations has dropped in the last year from 12 to 8. Despite the recent dip in some areas, the range-wide population is doing well overall. In the last five years, the Bureau of Land Management alongside state, federal and tribal governments and other partners have improved 3 million acres of big game wildlife habitat, removed or modified 1,250 miles of fencing to improve migration and movement, and engaged in numerous policy actions that have directly benefitted mule deer.