ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the numerous factors that have influenced black-tailed and mule deer and their habitats since the early 1800s including fire, habitat alteration, diseases, and anthropogenic factors. Effective changes will require the public and decision-makers to have at least some basic understanding of the multiple ecological factors that are causing these changes. Conserving threatened grassland and forest wildlife and habitat does not have to mean prohibition of grazing or logging; many species, including black-tailed deer and mule deer, can benefit from livestock grazing and timber management that is science-based. Probably the greatest existential threat to deer hunting and deer management is chronic wasting disease. Slowing the spread of this disease will require the hunting public and big game biologists to rethink expectations. Dealing with these and other issues relating to mule deer management will require funding for research and for habitat management. Healing and reconciliation regarding public land management will require respectful discussions by sportsmen, the public in general, public lands users, agency administrators, non-governmental organizations, and politicians. In the absence of such, confounding legislation, bureaucratic inertia, public advocacy, political expediency, and budgetary constraints will bode poorly for the conservation and management of mule deer and black-tailed deer.
