CPW presents county with mule deer population outlook

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has presented updates to its upcoming mule deer herd management plan to the Board of County Commissioners. Mass recreation, persistent drought, chronic wasting disease, competition for habitat, and natural predation were noted as factors affecting local herd numbers. As part of the updated plan, population objectives are being widened with the same midpoint to help the agency meet its goals and provide more flexibility in management. Sex ratios are also being decreased in some areas to help combat chronic wasting disease, which affects a greater number of bucks than does. Julie Mao, CPW wildlife biologist