Deschutes County moves towards mule deer protections

Deschutes County Planning Commission Recommends Adoption of Winter Range Zone

We’re on the right path to protect mule deer in Central Oregon! We’ve got exciting news about Deschutes County’s Wildlife Inventory Update.  

On May 11, the Deschutes County Planning Commission recommended the adoption of the 2023 Mule Deer Winter Range Combining Zone (WA-MD). The vote was 5-1 in support of adoption. The Planning Commission additionally voted 4-2 in support of recommending greater protections for mule deer consistent with Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife recommendations and the existing Wildlife Area Combining Zone (WA) overlay.

This is a big step towards better habitat protection for wildlife. Thank you to everyone who participated in the County hearings so far - you helped make this possible. 

What’s next?

The final decision to officially adopt the WA-MD is now up to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). 

A hearing before the BOCC will be scheduled soon, and we’ll call on you again to show up in support of strong winter range habitat protections for Deschutes County!