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Following a meeting last month in Meeker, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is offering the public another opportunity to learn about mule deer management and the White River mule deer herd, including a discussion of the effectiveness of predator management as a way to boost deer numbers.

The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Aug. 15 at the Fairfield Center, 200 Main St., in Meeker.

“We understand the concerns about predators,” area wildlife manager Bill de Vergie said. “But, based on the information we have seen, this is not a simple, cut and dried issue.”

Guest speaker Mark Hurley, of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, will discuss the results of recent attempts in that state to increase mule deer populations by “drastically reducing the population of their natural predators.” Also, Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologists will detail their ongoing research concerning possible reasons for the decline.

Designed to analyze all potential factors, studies indicate severe winters, drought, predation, and increased traffic from oil and gas exploration may all be contributing to mule deer declines.

“We are conducting thorough research, but what we do know is that there is a decline in this herd and our goal is to do whatever we can to bring it back,” northwest regional manager Ron Velarde said.

Concerned stakeholders will be given time at the meeting to ask questions and discuss the issue with wildlife managers. Anyone interested is welcome to attend.

For more information about mule deer research, visit wildlife.state.co.us/research/mammal/deer/.

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