ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the human component of black-tailed and mule deer management, which will require greater communion among all stakeholders because of the complex myriad of issues affecting species conservation (i.e., fire and invasive species, mining, energy development, population growth, urbanization, globalization). The societal factors identified in this chapter that affect deer, other wildlife, and their management are beyond the control of managers. Regardless, managers will require a better understanding of human attitudes and perceptions about deer, wildlife, and how they are managed to balance the needs of wildlife with human desires. The more stakeholders know about wildlife, their management, and the agencies that manage them, the greater their confidence in and support for science-based, professional management. To ensure the long-term sustainability of deer and managers must identify and seek to create opportunities to engage all wildlife stakeholders in wildlife management and research. Managers must also learn how to better integrate deer management with ecosystem management. By working with all deer stakeholders to better understand the landscapes and issues that affect wildlife conservation, we will also learn more about each other. These efforts must include new initiatives to protect and manage sagebrush biomes upon which deer and other wildlife depend.
