Update on state of the herd, hunting season outlook, CWD efforts
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will host an information session on mule deer in Miles City at Miles Community College on Tuesday, Sept. 29 beginning at 6 p.m. in Room 106.
The gathering is a chance to hear from regional wildlife staff about mule deer numbers, current research, and factors affecting their population in southeast Montana. For the first portion of the meeting, wildlife staff will share information from recent population surveys, a perspective on long-terms trends, and thoughts on the upcoming hunting season.
The second portion of the meeting will focus on chronic wasting disease. FWP's wildlife health biologist, Bevin McCormick, will present on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Montana. There have been confirmed cases of CWD in every southeast Montana hunting district so far, but monitoring continues here and elsewhere to better determine the level of disease prevalence. McCormick will talk more about the disease, its status in Montana, and how hunters are a key part of monitoring efforts.
FWP is holding similar mule deer/CWD meetings in some other parts of the state as a chance to share more information on the state's mule deer population. For a glimpse into what is happening in each region related to mule deer, view these recent FWP short videos on mule deer in Montana.
Attend the evening session Sept. 29 for a chance to hear the latest information and ask questions on all things related to mule deer and CWD. The meeting will provide ample opportunity for discussion.