The disappearance of mule deer from Deschutes County?

Deschutes County’s wildlife inventory update

We have a hard truth to face right now in Deschutes County.

Our mule deer population is rapidly declining. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) reports that mule deer herds in Deschutes County have declined 33% in just the last five years. There are half as many mule deer in Deschutes County today as there were just two decades ago. Habitat loss is a driving factor. 

Curious to learn more about declining mule deer herds? Read The Bulletin’s recent article

If we don’t respond now, we could see the disappearance of mule deer from Deschutes County in the coming decades.

We have a chance to change course. Deschutes County is updating its wildlife habitat inventory and protections for mule deer. Let’s show the county there is widespread and unified public support for protecting wildlife habitat.