Montana wants to understand why mule deer herds are steadily declining and are reaching out to the public for their insight. Last week, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) requested public comment on 11 guiding principles developed by the Mule Deer Citizen Advisory Council as a foundation for the state’s new mule deer management plan, according to the Montana Free Press.

The principles concentrate on key aspects of managing and growing mule deer herds, including targeting chronic wasting disease (CWD), using the best available science to make informed management decisions, improving landowner relationships, maximizing opportunities for public input, and improving the quality of the hunting experience.

Current mule deer numbers in parts of southeastern Montana have fallen 40% below the 10-year average with the 2023 statewide population down 17% from the long-term average, with the total estimate of mule deer at 256,000, according to the 2023 Mule Deer Population Report. The decline has been attributed to habitat quality, hunting pressure, severe weather conditions and CWD. 

“Many of these concerns could benefit from further research, increased precision of monitoring, and incorporation of results into management actions,” the Mule Deer Citizen Advisory Council wrote in its problem statement. “A lack of data could result in management decisions being driven by public opinion rather than by science. FWP needs to commit to and fund research priorities and management actions to achieve the mule deer plan objectives while maintaining transparency.”

If you want to weigh in on the new mule deer management plan, you have until Aug. 15.