Wyoming Mule Deer Initiative Projects

Mule Deer

In November, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission (WGFC) voted to approve $560,000 for ten projects to support mule deer populations across Wyoming.

Developed through the Statewide Mule Deer Initiative (MDI), the new projects will focus on improving to mule deer habitat and migration paths.

The projects will build upon MDI efforts that have been ongoing for over a decade.

The projects slated for the coming year are expected to benefit nine herds of mule deer and improve 1.2 million acres of habitat.

In Wyoming, Mule deer are an iconic species. They are found in the high plains, great basin desert, the alpine mountains, and everywhere in between.

A statewide Mule Deer Initiative written by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department was adopted by the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission in July 2007 and updated in July 2015.

The Mule Deer Initiative outlines factors contributing to declining mule deer populations and identifies strategies to, at minimum, sustain current deer numbers.

source: Wyoming Game and Fish Commission

Chesapeake Bay Waterfowl

Mallard Drake

Many of North America's best known waterfowl can be found on the Chesapeake Bay. Located along the Atlantic Flyway, the estuary is an important stopover and wintering area for waterfowl.

During spring, mallards, black ducks, green-wing teal, and Canada geese nest in saltwater marshes of Chesapeake Bay. Farther up the watershed, wood ducks raise their young.

In summer, some waterfowl become secretive and move into backwater hideaways where abundant vegetation conceals their presence. In contrast, mallards and Canada geese often remain in areas where human activity occurs.

As days shorten and nights become cooler, flocks of migratory Canada geese appear in the skies over the watershed. By late fall, surf scoters and long-tailed ducks appear on the open waters of the Chesapeake Bay.

By mid winter, waterfowl populations increase as residents and early season migrants are joined by Atlantic brant, snow geese, and tundra swans.

Despite cold temperatures, many of the watershed's creeks and rivers become feeding areas for common mergansers, red-breasted mergansers, and hooded mergansers.

In spring as temperatures begin to rise and daylight increases, many species begin to move out of the Chesapeake Bay as the migrate towards their summer breeding grounds.

Some waterfowl remain on the estuary year round. The marshes, swamps, and other secluded habitats of the Chesapeake Bay watershed provide important nesting and nursey areas for black ducks, wood ducks, teal, Canada Geese, and other waterfowl.

Abundance of Geese Expected Along Atlantic Flyway

light geese

An abundance of geese and other waterfowl are expected to migrate along the Atlantic Flyway this season.

According to Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the number of breeding Atlantic Population Canada geese were significantly higher during the spring of 2011, increasing from approximately 154,000 pairs in 2010, to 194,800 pairs this season.

Although the number of pairs increased, a cold spring on the Ungava Peninsula contributed to a slightly reduced nesting effort, with fewer eggs laid compared to a normal nesting year.

Light geese are also expected to be abundant. Greater and lesser snow geese and Ross's geese are collectively referred to as "light geese". These birds have become so abundant that they are causing harm to wetland habitats throughout their range.

Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts that wish to support wild populations of waterfowl can purchase a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp).

Federal Duck Stamps are available at most U.S. Post Offices, National Wildlife Refuges, and some DNR sport license agents. Federal Duck Stamps can also be purchased by calling toll-free 1-800-DUCK499, 1-800-STAMP24 or order online at www.duckstamp.com.