Draft mule deer management plan input

[jackelope]

WDFW NEWS RELEASE
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
http://wdfw.wa.gov/

September 24, 2015
Contact:  Jerry Nelson, 360-902-2515

WDFW seeks comments on a
draft mule deer management plan

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking public comments through Oct. 31 on a draft plan to guide management of the state’s mule deer populations.

“This plan will serve as the foundation for sustainably managing mule deer throughout their range in Washington,” said Jerry Nelson, deer and elk section manager for WDFW. “We encourage people to give us feedback on the management approaches we’ve identified.”

Key objectives in the plan include maintaining stable mule-deer opportunities for both hunters and wildlife-watchers. It also covers strategies for reducing damage caused by deer to crops and personal property.

The plan is available online for review at http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/mule_deer/. An online form for the public to submit comments is available on the webpage.

WDFW is hosting three open house meetings next month to discuss the draft plan with the public. The public meetings are scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. as follows:

Ellensburg, Oct. 13, Ellensburg Quality Inn and Conference Center, 1700 S. Canyon Road
Spokane Valley, Oct. 15, Center Place Regional Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Place
Olympia, Oct. 29, Red Lion Hotel, 2300 Evergreen Park Drive SW
The department separates the state’s mule deer population into seven geographic management zones including the north Rocky Mountains, Okanogan highlands, Columbia Plateau,  Blue Mountains, east slope Cascades, Naches and east Columbia Gorge.

“Having sufficient habitat for mule deer is always a concern – particularly after two tough fire seasons,” Nelson said. “Overall, though, our mule deer populations are generally in good shape.”

The plan will go to WDFW’s director for final approval later this year. It will be updated as needed in the future.

 

 

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[tgomez]

Thanks for info Jackelope. Very good thread and nice of you to share!

[stickslinger]

That was a verry  long winded way to say they are going to waste a ton of money on useless projects, and probably reduce the opportunity we as sportsman will have in the future  all in my opinion to justify a few jobs.  Now don't get me wrong something does need to change in order for mule deer population to maintain or increase but spending hundreds of thousands on ways to servey population and even more on trying to keep the deer from crossing any pavement where they might cause an accident is nothing but a waste of money and resources

[Rainier10]

Thanks for posting, I didn't get this one for some reason.  I will be attending the meeting in Eburg.

[Wacenturion]

Planning......a management term for a scientific excuse to avoid doing something meaningful.  Generally last a minimum of 5 years, sometimes longer.   

[Sumpnneedskillin]

If you can't make one of the meeting you can provide comments on line

http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/mule_deer/management_comments/index.html

[huntnphool]

Planning......a management term for a scientific excuse to avoid doing something meaningful.  Generally last a minimum of 5 years, sometimes longer.