FWP embarks on mule deer monitoring, research, and outreach initiatives

[brocksw]

FWP embarks on mule deer monitoring, research, and outreach initiatives​ HELENA – Hunters in Montana, along with Fish, Wildlife & Parks, are concerned about declining mule deer populations in much of the state. In response to this concern, FWP is embarking on research efforts to look into the declines and engage hunters about their attitudes on mule deer management and hunting. Mule deer numbers have typically been tracked over large areas using aerial surveys and declines can be attributed to several different things including winterkill, short-term habitat changes, like those that result from drought to potentially long-term habitat changes in other parts of the state. Predation and other factors may be at play as well. “We’ve worked hard to be adaptive in our mule deer management over the past few decades,” said Brian Wakeling, FWP’s game management bureau chief. “However, some of the data we’re using to guide decisions needs to be updated, and it’s time to start testing our old assumptions and make sure our efforts are in line with the expectations and desire of hunters.” Part of the effort FWP is undertaking has involved an expansive public opinion survey, which was sent out to 5,000 randomly selected resident hunters this past winter. The survey was nearly identical to one conducted in 2011. And the results were very similar as well. The survey results show continued support for current mule deer management in Montana, including season length, timing and the opportunity to hunt mule deer every year. However, the survey also indicates that some hunters are looking for changes. For instance, when presented with the question of hunting bucks every year or hunting them once every several years, about 60 percent of hunters liked the ability to hunt mule deer bucks every year, which is generally the current framework in Montana. However, nearly 40 percent of hunters would choose to hunt mule deer bucks once ever several years if it meant having the opportunity to harvest a mature buck. To help FWP better understand hunters and their attitudes about mule deer hunting, FWP held listening sessions in northwest and northeast Montana this spring. These listening sessions were conversations with the public about mule deer management, allowing FWP staff to answer questions and hear more feedback on the current state of mule deer hunting and management in Montana. These listening sessions will rotate through FWP’s administrative regions every other year, so if you didn’t have the opportunity to attend one in your area this year, you should be able to next year. Other efforts FWP is starting or will start in the coming years may include more radio collaring efforts to track numbers and mortality, habitat research, and other population modeling efforts. “Overall, we’re looking to do additional mule deer research and monitoring across the state that will give us data we can use in communicating with the public and in setting regulations, and managing habitat and predation,” Wakeling said. “We know hunters around the state are concerned and the research we’re starting on will help us ensure our management decisions continue to be sound moving forward.” ​ Summary of the survey results (PDF)​

 

[brocksw]

 

[Deleted member 18333]

Uncanny how aligned those survey results are with the majority opinion of the MT HT'ers.

 

[Gerald Martin]

Similar wants to what hunters wanted when the last survey was taken. Completely different quality and quantity of on the ground reality when it comes to Montana’s mule deer herd than when the last survey was taken.

You would think that a responsible FWP would manage according to the needs of the resource rather than continue over exploiting that resource just because 60 percent of hunters want season length and structure to stay the same.

 

[cgasner1]

Kinda reads like we don’t care because less people will complain this way

 

[DFS]

They should send out a survey for bighorn sheep and ask hunters if they want the opportunity to hunt them in the breaks every year and base their management off that survey.

 

[Bambistew]

Hahahahahahahahahaha

Was there any doubt the survey would come back differently? The questions are like, "Would you rather hunt deer or not hunt deer?" 95% of those surveyed said they would rather hunt deer, the other 5% confused deer with elk.

Don't worry they'll do the same survey in another 10 years. So I will stand behind my comments I've made. You won't see any change in mule deer management for another 10 years, and the season you just had was the best you're going to see.

Hunt them till extinction, but at least hunters will be satisfied that they can still hunt them in the rut. Remember most of the state is managed for single digit or teen buck to doe ratios. But there is still a chance you'll find a mature buck, so hold the status quo.

 

[Point Creep]

Hahahahahahahahahaha

Was there any doubt the survey would come back differently? The questions are like, "Would you rather hunt deer or not hunt deer?" 95% of those surveyed said they would rather hunt deer, the other 5% confused deer with elk.

Don't worry they'll do the same survey in another 10 years. So I will stand behind my comments I've made. You won't see any change in mule deer management for another 10 years, and the season you just had was the best you're going to see.

Hunt them till extinction, but at least hunters will be satisfied that they can still hunt them in the rut. Remember most of the state is managed for single digit or teen buck to doe ratios. But there is still a chance you'll find a mature buck, so hold the status quo.

100 % facts, but they won't be extinct as there will always be some ranches that restrict hunting to keep the species doing well and "over objective."

 

[brockel]

Would like to see this adaptive management. Or any management at all. Maybe it means adding more seasons?

 

[bigsky2]

No questions regarding season length.

 

[Gerald Martin]

Would like to see this adaptive management. Or any management at all. Maybe it means adding more seasons?

Opportunity is always a good thing as a management strategy if you base management strategy off hunters and wishes.

I want another sheep, goat, and moose tag.

 

[brockel]

Opportunity is always a good thing as a management strategy if you base management strategy off hunters and wishes.

I want another sheep, goat, and moose tag.

I’d take a sheep and moose tag but I better not be greedy with the goats this year

 

[Wind Gypsy]

Mule deer numbers have typically been tracked over large areas using aerial surveys and declines can be attributed to several different things including winterkill, short-term habitat changes, like those that result from drought to potentially long-term habitat changes in other parts of the state. Predation and other factors may be at play as well.

Yeah, whatever you do, DO NOT mention overharvest in the list of things that impacts population decline.. They should be beyond embarrassed.

 

[brockel]

Yeah, whatever you do, DO NOT mention overharvest in the list of things that impacts population decline.. They should be beyond embarrassed.

Killings does doesn’t effect the population. Just ask them. Same as selling your cows doesn’t affect the size of your herd. It’s science

 

[Gerald Martin]

Killings does doesn’t effect the population. Just ask them. Same as selling your cows doesn’t affect the size of your herd. It’s science

It doesn’t if you don’t want it to. #science

I hear that FWP has hired a consulting specialist to help guide any prospective changes.

 

[El Jason]

Yeah, whatever you do, DO NOT mention overharvest in the list of things that impacts population decline.. They should be beyond embarrassed.

Talking about predators gets all sorts of traction. Talking about lead poisoning, not so much.

 

[Gerald Martin]

Talking about predators gets all sorts of traction. Talking about lead poisoning, not so much.

Shorten mule deer season to the last ten days of October to allow for hunters to more effectively kill coyotes in November.

#predatorcontrolworks

 

[DFS]

FWP stats of last years doe harvests. Averages 40%. It’s a drop in the bucket to overall population. No stats on where they were harvested (public vs private).
2020 11k doe tags were issued
2021 5.5k
2022 3k
2023 ??
Their stats not mine.
I’m fairly certain every one is tired of me complaining about it. This is what the people want.
#doeslivesmatter
#adaptivemanagement

 

[huntin24/7]

It’s interesting that the state by and large manages moose, sheep, goat, and antelope based off permits issued for how much harvest each unit can tolerate, but deer management is based off what the average hunter says they want in a survey.

 

[Point Creep]

As long as there’s does and spike elk to kill, 90% of MT hunters are plumb happy.