Fish and Game Surveys Mule Deer Hunters

Hunters interested in shaping the future of mule deer hunting in Idaho have the opportunity to do so over the next few weeks by participating in a survey. The opinions of mule deer hunters will provide the foundation to develop a new statewide Mule Deer Management Plan. This planning process will take place over the next six to nine months. The plan will provide the vision and strategies for how Idahoans want their mule deer managed. "We are in the beginning stages of creating a new mule deer management plan for the state of Idaho," said Brad Compton, state big game manager. "What we need to know is what sportsmen want when it comes to hunting opportunities." The department, in partnership with the University of Idaho, has started an online survey of mule deer hunters. The 50-question survey takes about 30 minutes to complete. It is available at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ until the end of February. Fish and Game has already sent surveys to a random sample of Idaho mule deer hunters but game managers also want to hear from hunters who were not included in the random sample. Questions include whether hunters would prefer to hunt every year, or to hunt for a trophy buck every three years; and whether they support reducing elk numbers in an effort to increase mule deer numbers. The questions are geared to inform Fish and Game managers about what is important to Idaho hunters. By clearly understanding what mule deer hunters want, the department can provide a diversity of management programs and hunting opportunities consistent with expectations of the hunting public. The new plan would go into effect in 2008. For information about the survey, contact local Fish and Game offices.