OAR 635-190-0000: Mule Deer Management Plan Content and Purpose

(1) The goal for mule deer management in Oregon is to manage mule deer using the best practices and information within the dynamics of changing landscapes and multiple land use practices to enhance recreational opportunities and public values. (2) Objectives to accomplish this goal are to: (a) Delineate herd ranges defining the year-round movements of unique mule deer herds as the basis for mule deer management across their range in eastern Oregon. (b) Inform management decisions for mule deer using rigorous methods for monitoring populations while accounting for changing habitat conditions and other impacts to populations at the herd range scale. (c) Maintain and enhance mule deer habitats in partnership with landowners and land managers such that overall conditions for mule deer are maintained or improved on summer use areas and winter ranges. (d) Manage mule deer populations such that overall numbers are consistent with available habitat conditions while accounting for social tolerance and public attitudes towards mule deer. (e) Manage harvest of mule deer at biologically sound levels. (f) Provide for optimum consumptive and non-consumptive recreational uses of the resource. (3) Chapter 13 (Issues and Strategies) of the 2024 Oregon Mule Deer Management Plan identifies issues facing mule deer and strategies to address these issues is incorporated here by reference into administrative rule. [ED. NOTE: To view attachments referenced in rule text, click here to view rule.]