Mule Deer Management Zones

[vandeman17]

I am not sure if this has been discussed on here and if this is just how they plan on "managing" herd size but hearing the words ZONE always fires off my spidey senses

Shift to a New Management Framework
For more than 124 years, Washington has regulated deer harvest using Game Management Units (GMUs). While GMUs will remain the basis for season-setting and permit allocation, WDFW is introducing a new, broader organizational structure: seven Mule Deer Management Zones (MDMZs). Each zone groups GMUs based on terrain, habitat, and population characteristics rather than county lines.

This approach, officials say, supports more accurate population-level management and better coordination of conservation strategies.

https://www.yoursourceone.com/columbia_basin/wa-unveils-sweeping-updated-mule-deer-management-plan-as-new-aerial-surveys-begin-in-kittitas/article_fd365568-7f97-4ce2-87b4-cdf649702aad.html

[NOCK NOCK]

Hmmmm, aerial surveys.... ....maybe do some in the areas that traditionally (**USED TO) hold the biggest herds....Methow/Entiat

AS far as better management,    Just another BS way to end hunting. 

[Mtnwalker]

I am not sure if this has been discussed on here and if this is just how they plan on "managing" herd size but hearing the words ZONE always fires off my spidey senses

Shift to a New Management Framework
For more than 124 years, Washington has regulated deer harvest using Game Management Units (GMUs). While GMUs will remain the basis for season-setting and permit allocation, WDFW is introducing a new, broader organizational structure: seven Mule Deer Management Zones (MDMZs). Each zone groups GMUs based on terrain, habitat, and population characteristics rather than county lines.

This approach, officials say, supports more accurate population-level management and better coordination of conservation strategies.

https://www.yoursourceone.com/columbia_basin/wa-unveils-sweeping-updated-mule-deer-management-plan-as-new-aerial-surveys-begin-in-kittitas/article_fd365568-7f97-4ce2-87b4-cdf649702aad.html

I'm confused. Is this an update to an old article? We've had 7 MDMZ's since like 2016

Also they didn't meet very many of their "goals" if you read through to the end... go figure 

[highcountry_hunter]

$935,000 annual investment for a species that everyone cares about

1.65 million dollar budget for wolves in 2024 🤔

[Swervingtrouts]

$935,000 annual investment for a species that everyone cares about

1.65 million dollar budget for wolves in 2024 🤔

That is so sad.