A Mule Deer-Palooza Is Coming To Casper And Douglas

There are fewer than ten states in the US that are lucky enough to have both whitetail and mule deer, and Wyoming is one of those states. Even though that's the case, we have a significantly larger number of mule deer; however, you've probably heard that the numbers aren't as large as they once were.

Weather, habitat, and disease are three primary factors driving the decline; however, organizations like the Mule Deer Foundation are working to reverse this trend. One of the ways the MDF is helping the mule deer population is by working to improve aspects such as habitat.

To keep their mission alive, they hold fundraising events to support the cause, such as the MDF Mule Deer Palooza, which will take place in Casper at Gruner Brothers on November 15 and in Douglas at the College Inn Bar on November 20.

Each of the events will provide an opportunity to meet other mule deer and outdoor enthusiasts, and participate in a fundraising raffle for guns and other field and range-useful items.

Habitat projects have been the priority of not only the MDF but also other conservation programs and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. They've all been working together on projects in hopes of improving mule deer areas.

The habitat projects, which are a priority for the group, are:

Fire prevention

Confier removal

Habitat restoration

Wildlife-friendly fencing

Invasive Vegetative Species

Water Availability

The Mule Deer Foundation Mission:

• To restore, improve, and protect mule deer habitat (including land and easement acquisitions) resulting in self-sustaining, healthy, free-ranging, and huntable deer populations.
• To encourage and support responsible wildlife management with government agencies, private organizations, and landowners.
• To promote public education and scientific research related to mule deer and wildlife management.
• To support and encourage responsible and ethical behavior and awareness of issues among those whose actions affect mule deer.
• To support regulated hunting as a viable component of mule deer and black-tailed deer conservation.
• To develop programs that focus on the recruitment and retention of youth into the shooting sports and conservation.