Mule Deer Fanatic

As Reported by the Idaho Examiner:

     Reducing coyotes on mule deer fawning range and managing other predators is one component of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s Mule Deer Initiative. The initiative is a multi-faceted program aimed at increasing mule deer populations and public understanding of factors that influence mule deer populations across southern Idaho. The other five interconnected components of the initiative include: habitat, populations, communications, access and enforcement.

     “Research has demonstrated that focused coyote control during specific times of the year can improve mule deer fawn survival, especially when alternate prey – rabbits and mice – are low in abundance and deer populations are well below carrying capacity,” said Toby Boudreau, MDI coordinator for Fish and Game. Biologists are using radio-location data for mule deer from the Tex Creek Wildlife Management Area to determine where mule deer does have their fawns. This information is then used to focus coyote removal before and during the spring fawning season.

     “Coyote removal efforts are conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services from December 1 to July 1,” Boudreau said. This is the 10th year that Idaho Fish and Game has funded and directed Wildlife Services to control coyotes on mule deer fawning ranges. The goal of the program is to remove 75 percent of the coyotes from a given area in an attempt to improve fawn survival.

     Fish and Game provides $100,000 a year to Wildlife Services to supplement predator control efforts in Idaho. In exchange, Fish and Game determines where Wildlife Services should spend hunting license and tag revenues to benefit wildlife. Predator control geared to benefit mule deer is based on an annual evaluation of mule deer populations, alternate prey, and environmental conditions.

For more information, contact Idaho Fish and Game at 208-525-7290.