Mule Deer Study: Increased Predator Harvest Effects Mixed

Results from the largest coyote and mountain lion management project ever conducted in Idaho show predators do play a role in mule deer survival, and man can manipulate that role, but increasing southern Idaho's mule deer populations will require a lot more than predator management alone. Fish and Game conducted the six-year study in eight big game units stretching from Pocatello to Twin Falls. Nearly 1700 coyotes and 150 mountain lions were removed in four of the units where increased harvest of predators was conducted. The coyote and mountain lion harvest levels stayed normal in the other four units. A later comparison showed that fawn survival rate did improve and there was an increase in adult survival in units where predators were removed, but overall, the effect was relatively small. "We showed we can improve an individual deer's chance of survival, but from a population standpoint, we saw relatively small gains," state big game manager Brad Compton said. Idaho's mule deer population stands at about 300,000. While that is considered to be a healthy figure, it is only about half what it was believed to be in the 1960s. The problem is not exclusive to Idaho _ mule deer populations have declined throughout the West. While predators do play a role, there are other significant factors to consider. - Winter range lost to development - Summer range negatively affected by fire suppression - Environmental conditions such as drought or harsh winters - Increased elk herds moving in on mule deer habitat - Invasive weeds impacting native plant communities within critical deer habitat The study has given Fish and Game a better understanding of the role predators play and how, in some instances, their numbers can be manipulated to benefit mule deer populations. When variables such as drought or hard winters decrease localized big game populations and alternate prey like rabbits and mice are scarce, the impact caused by predators can grow, and so too can man's efforts to keep that impact in check. Mule deer populations in certain parts of Idaho are not meeting the expectations of either Fish and Game or sportsmen. The department has launched an ambitious Mule Deer Initiative to address the problem. The initiative has three components: - Population management including appropriate predator management according to department policy. - Habitat management focusing on improving Conservation Reserve Program lands, winter ranges and healthy aspen stands. - Public involvement Fish and Game is already implementing the initiative plan in parts of eastern, southeastern and south central Idaho where mule deer populations are down. This spring for example, the department, with help from several sportsmen, planted 56,000 shrub seedlings, which will eventually provide critical food for wintering mule deer. Without that kind of volunteer help, many initiative projects designed to benefit wildlife, simply couldn't be done.