Understanding Deer Migration and Habitat
We all know that deer move a lot across our vast western landscapes and that seasonal habitat like winter range is a critical part of their annual lifecycle. These movements, often called migrations, can be obvious or not so obvious depending on time, route, and number of animals using a certain area. Historically, deer managers relied on professional observation and historic records to identify these movement and migration routes but lacked specific information on how many animals used certain routes, how the routes were used by moving animals, and how animals reacted to impacts to these routes. However, over the last decade, scientific knowledge has increased dramatically about how significant migrations are to the health of mule deer and black-tailed deer herds.
Policy Development and Conservation Efforts
Conservation efforts to improve big game migration corridors and seasonal ranges in the West took a major leap in February 2018, when then-Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke signed Secretarial Order 3362 at MDF’s Western Hunting and Conservation Expo. In the first two years of the SO 3362 implementation, the U.S. Department of the Interior and partners like MDF facilitated 73 projects across 11 states with more than $47 million being invested from federal and matching grants in state-identified priority research projects, data analysis and mapping assistance, habitat-related projects, and other activities. Even more work has happened on the ground since the first progress report was released in 2020.
MDF’s Leadership and Initiative in Habitat Conservation
Shortly after SO 3362 was signed, MDF created its Winter Range and Migration Corridor Initiative, to assist with the implementation of the order and to partner with agencies, landowners, and others to ensure conservation of these important areas. MDF has been a leader in both the policy efforts to implement the secretarial order as well as coordinating habitat conservation and restoration efforts. Making sure that mule deer and black-tailed deer have quality habitat in the areas where they need it the most throughout the year will always be a top priority for our organization. Since the inception of the Winter Range and Migration Corridor Initiative, MDF has received over $2 million in grants to help with capacity and on-the-ground projects.
Mule Deer Foundation Commits More Than $270,000 to Local Conservation Efforts Through Chapter Rewards Program
Member Chapter Rewards continue to fuel local conservation projects across the West.
Using Trail Cams and E-Scouting to Pinpoint Mule Deer Buck Hotspots
But here’s the truth: if you’re hunting mule deer in today’s West and you’re ignoring tools like trail cameras and e-scouting platforms, you’re making it harder than it needs to be.
The Caylor Project: Protecting Wildlife Habitat and Denver’s Drinking Water
The Mule Deer Foundation improves mule deer habitat while protecting the water supply for Colorado’s capital city.
Solo vs. Partnered Mule Deer Hunts: Pros and Cons
Choosing the right approach for your style, goals, and country
There’s a fork in the road every mule deer hunter hits at some point: go it alone or bring a partner. Both paths can lead to great hunts, and both come with tradeoffs that matter more than most people admit.