December 2022 - 2

FROM THE
DIRECTOR
Critical time for mule deer
By Brian Nesvik
A
s we transition from fall to winter I
often reflect on my time working
on our state's incredible mule deer
winter ranges. I recently had the good fortune of
hunting one of my favorite pieces of Wyoming's
high country and successfully harvested a large,
mature buck. Two things stick in my mind as
I ponder those experiences - we have some
incredible deer in our state and they need
protection.
What is now known as the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's
Winter Range Task Force started 23 years ago. This effort began in
response to increasing numbers of headless deer carcasses discovered
on the state's big game winter ranges. The intent and purpose of this
initiative was to dedicate more time and resources to expand surveillance
and law enforcement on mule deer winter ranges during the time of
year when they are most vulnerable. The department allocates game
wardens from all over the state to target wintering and transitional
habitats ranging from the Platte Valley to Big Piney, the Pinedale Front
to the North Bighorns, as well as many others. In November and
December, our wardens and biologists cover these expanses to protect
mule deer by making contact with the public, documenting activity
and monitoring vulnerable deer. The primary objectives of the Winter
Range Task Force are to deter potential violators, detect illegally killed
deer and investigate those crimes when they are discovered.
Wyoming's mule deer have always been important to the people
of our great state, and their viability faces many challenges. Declining
habitat quality and quantity, increased prevalence of chronic wasting
disease and urban development all place stressors on the overall health
of mule deer populations. My discussions around the state with mule
deer enthusiasts indicate their concerns for declining deer populations
are at a generational high. Most people don't find anything good
or right about breaking wildlife laws, and don't believe these icons
should be stolen off our winter ranges. Our work to protect mule
deer from illegal take compliments all our other efforts towards mule
deer conservation.
The overwhelming majority of people who frequent Wyoming's
winter and transitional ranges are there to enjoy the outdoors and our
wildlife. Wildlife viewing and photography are popular activities in
many wintering areas. Unfortunately, a handful of people each year
are not in these areas with good intentions, don't respect the law and
2 | December 2022
poach large, mule deer bucks outside established seasons and without
a license. Mule deer breeding season during November and December
makes mature, male deer less wary of human presence and they often
frequent areas near roads. Additionally, many deer herds are migrating
from higher, more secluded areas to accessible, lower-elevation ranges.
This access creates conditions in which those who choose to poach
deer have an advantage. The task force has successfully apprehended a
significant number of violators and will continue this work in the future.
Game wardens who patrol these areas are passionate about what
they do and have skills and training that improve their ability to
investigate wildlife crimes successfully. When illegal carcasses are
discovered, wardens use technology, crime scene analysis and their
experience to build solid cases. Wardens also have the help of our
team at our wildlife forensic laboratory in Laramie where evidence is
analyzed. The crew at the lab is second-to-none and has been pivotal
in many successful prosecutions.
While game wardens have the lead in these protection efforts, there
is a larger team that works to make this work successful. Department
biologists and other field personnel assist wardens with detecting
illegally killed wildlife and monitoring activity. Concerned members of
the public and private landowners have played a critical role in our work
to protect mule deer. Many successful apprehensions and prosecutions
involved help from citizens who provided valuable information on
illegally-killed deer and those who were responsible. I remember
a poaching incident when our wardens and lab personnel used a
Copenhagen can and a receipt collected at the crime scene, along with
help from a store owner and other members of the public, to solve
what otherwise would have been a cold case.
In addition to individuals helping us protect mule deer, several
conservation groups have provided resources, increased public awareness
and direct asks of their membership to support the department. The
Muley Fanatic Foundation, Bow Hunters of Wyoming, Wyoming
Wildlife Federation and many others have been key partners.
Additionally, the Wyoming Legislature has taken wildlife crimes
seriously and passed laws that put real teeth in penalties judges can
assess in the most serious wildlife crimes. County attorneys and judges
have worked diligently to ensure justice for Wyoming's wildlife. Sheriff's
deputies, police officers and highway patrol troopers have provided
critical help in a number of poaching cases.
Right now, though, I'm thinking about our field wardens on the
front line and the entire team working their tails off to protect mule
deer on the winter range, maybe even a little enviously from my desk,
as I reminisce about my experience there. I'm grateful we live in a state
where people care so deeply about wildlife and go to great lengths to
protect it. It is clear to me that if it wasn't for the hard work of the team
and their success in protecting Wyoming's deer, I may not have had that
early October opportunity to find the buck of a lifetime.
December 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of December 2022
