If the goal in Washington is truly to grow mule deer and sustain elk opportunity, then we need to be honest about what actually works and what simply sounds good on paper.

Right now, there’s growing discussion around shifting Eastern Washington mule deer and remaining elk opportunities from over-the-counter (OTC) tags to a draw system. On the surface, some argue this could improve herd quality or increase age class. But that approach misses the bigger picture and more importantly, it ignores the real drivers of herd health.

We already have conservative general seasons for mule deer. October hunts are structured to limit harvest pressure, and antler point restrictions (3-point minimum) are in place across Eastern Washington. 

Going to a draw WILL NOT grow herds or fix recruitment issues. The real issue is fawn survival. More fawns need to hit the ground in June and survive their first year. Habitat is everything. Winter range in Eastern Washington has been heavily impacted by wildfire and degradation, leaving limited forage. Without strong winter habitat, herds cannot grow.

We also need to protect migration corridors. Mule deer depend on seasonal movement, and that requires wildlife crossings, better fencing, and limiting development in key areas. Predator management is another key factor. Coyotes, mountain lions, bears, and wolves all impact fawn survival. Balanced, science-based management is required. We cannot control drought or harsh winters, but we can improve habitat, connectivity, and predator balance.

Draw systems may increase age class, but they also increase the likelihood of animals dying from winterkill or predation before ever being utilized. That’s not conservation, these animals should feed families. Bottom line: If we want more deer, we need to focus on what actually works, not limiting opportunity in a State where opportunity is being taken every season, hunter recruitment will diminish, people will stop buying tags and the money that funds all of this will dry… 

Take action. Make your voice heard (even if this has been put away for now, it will be back. PLEASE email the 2 emails below and feel free to capture what I have written here for your use, urge them to KEEP mule deer opportunity OTC and WHAT we actually can work on to help our herds. 

wildthing@dfw.wa.gov

commission@dfw.wa.gov