S3E7: 3.7 – Mule Deer Management

Coloradans are proud to have the largest elk herd in the world, and we can also make that claim when it comes to mule deer.That may come as a surprise for some, but mule deer are among the most visible of Colorado’s wildlife. Whether keeping a sharp eye on our highways and roads for crossing deer or encountering them on the trail or in our communities, it’s nearly impossible not to see mule deer across much of the state. Still, the species is facing a multitude of challenges with declines in the population in recent decades. And that’s not easy to understand for people who regularly encounter deer in towns.In this episode of the Colorado Outdoors podcast, CPW Big Game Manager Andy Holland joins the show for a second time. Last year, we spoke with him about unique big-game hunting opportunities in the state. When asked, Holland said his favorite species to hunt was elk but his favorite to manage was mule deer. We stewed on that for 11 months. So, we asked Holland to come back on the show this year and dive into all the variables that make mule deer management so complex. From well-known issues such as chronic wasting disease, habitat loss and severe winters to the nitty gritty of buck to doe ratios, stocking rates and migration corridors, Holland helps us dive into many of the pressing issues wildlife managers face when it comes to mule deer in the West.We not only discuss information hunters want to know when it comes to mule deer, but we also learn more about their nutrition, how deer have evolved to adapt to seasonal changes, and the critical importance of winter range for their survival.Turn up the speakers on your way to hunting camp this fall, or sit back and learn more about a species that is part of many of our daily lives in Colorado.