ABSTRACT
As we seek to conserve and manage black-tailed deer and mule deer in the coming decades, effective strategies to improve and restore habitats are needed. Black-tailed deer and mule deer (i.e., deer) occur across a broad distribution in western North America, but the human population in this region is growing rapidly. Moreover, habitat in many ecoregions is threatened by invasive species; increased frequency, severity, and size of wildfires; climate change (i.e., increased aridity and drought); and a myriad of additional stressors and threats. These changes will provide challenges and opportunities in the future to improve habitat for mule deer. The stressors and threats to deer habitat vary by ecoregion as do the best methods and strategies to improve or restore habitats. This chapter provides an overview of some of the challenges and opportunities to improve habitat by manipulating availability of cover, food, water, and their interspersion. Although technical expertise is required, effective and diverse partnerships are also needed to overcome challenges associated with habitat improvement at spatial scales that are meaningful to deer. The challenges to conservation and restoration of deer habitat are immense, but so is the science, interest, and passion associated with these iconic animals.
