The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission has approved $452,400 for 10 Mule Deer Initiative projects to enhance habitat for mule deer and support the ungulate’s migrations.
Commission dollars will be matched $3 to $1 by other sources, amounting to a total of $1.79 million going to on-the-ground projects. The projects are anticipated to enhance three million acres and benefit seven herd units that make up 25% of the state’s mule deer population.
To mitigate large carnivore conflicts and livestock depredation, the Commission was presented with new research on cattle depredation and associated damage compensation. The Commission directed the department to begin work to amend Chapter 28 — Big or Trophy Game Animal or Game Bird or Gray Wolf Damage Claims to include a damage compensation multiplier for yearling cattle at a 1.25:1 ratio in certain circumstances. The department will also continue research on grizzly bear and gray wolf livestock damage to ensure the 1.25:1 is appropriate.
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The Commission approved a land transfer of Bureau of Reclamation property near Glendo State Park. The property maintains public access opportunities for hunting and fishing as well as wildlife habitat.
Game and Fish presented an update on the Commission’s request to evaluate the reintroduction of bighorn sheep in the Sweetwater Rocks. The department will continue to work through concerns identified during public outreach with particular consideration to landowners and how the transplant may impact grazing allotments.
“This is a worthy project for bighorn sheep,” said Brian Nesvik, director of Game and Fish. “We know there are legitimate concerns that need to be addressed, so we are slowing this work down to thoroughly provide assurances for producers and find solutions together to make this transplant possible.”
Game and Fish’s next steps are to continue meeting with federal land management agencies, landowners, livestock producers and other partners.
Work is ongoing for two priority department construction projects. A test well is planned for the spring to ensure adequate water at the Commission’s South Park Wildlife Habitat Management Area, the site of future employee housing in the Jackson Region. The new Cody Regional office is headed toward completion with construction slated to end in July.
Commissioners heard an update about the elk feedgrounds public collaborative process. In Phase II, the stakeholder members participated in a shared learning series. Next, in small groups, the Game and Fish feedground steering committee will listen to stakeholder concerns, collect input and gain ideas to help form a long-term management plan for the department-operated elk feedgrounds.
The meeting recording will be available in the coming days online. The next Commission meeting is planned for March 24-25 in Cody.
