Major Accomplishments

· A published paper summarizing predator research and management experience in the West (Ballard et al. 2001.  Deer-predator relationships: a review of recent North American studies with emphasis on mule and black-tailed deer.  Wildlife Society Bulletin 29:99-115).  This publication was timely and scholarly, when agencies throughout the west were struggling with public pressure on both sides of this issue.

· Markedly better communication among mule deer biologists in all western states and provinces.  Issues are now informally discussed among states/provinces to the mutual benefit of all involved.

· Coordination of the biennial Western States Deer/Elk Workshop and a standardization of format and trend data.

· A book summarizing the current knowledge, challenges, and opportunities for the important issues identified by leading mule deer experts (Mule Deer Conservation:  Issues and Management Strategies.  2003.  J. C. deVos, M. R. Conover, and N. E. Headrick, editors, Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and Jack H. Berryman Institute, Logan, Utah.  240pp.). 

· Produced a popularized version of the above book for easy reading by non-biologists printed in glossy newspaper format (Mule Deer: Changing Landscapes, Changing Perspectives).

· Produced and published the North American Mule Deer Conservation Plan to guide the conservation of this important species throughout the continent.  An MOU in support of this plan was signed by all federal partners.

· Completed an interactive GIS map of North America to identify important mule deer habitat features to aid in managing mule deer and their habitat on a landscape scale.

· The MDWG was awarded the Wildlife Management Institute’s “Touchstone Award” in 2006.  The Touchstone Award recognizes the achievement of a natural resource management program, professional or group of professionals in the public or private sector.

· Mule Deer Habitat Guidelines.  The working group has produced a set of mule deer habitat management guidelines for each of the 7 ecological regions in North America. 

· Funded and produced more bronzes for the Wallmo Award given to the leading black-tailed or mule deer researcher or manager in North America.  The MDWG and Mule Deer Foundation raised $5,000 to have 10 more bronzes produced (20 years worth) by Joe B. Wallmo, whose father the award is named after.  This award is given out every 2 years at the Deer/Elk Workshop.

· An implementation matrix for the North American Mule Deer Conservation Plan (NAMDCP) is continually updated by the MDWG at the summer meetings to track progress made toward the strategies and goals by member agencies and federal partners.

· One desire from the original establishment of the MDWG was to increase communication among member agencies and one potential place for improvement is in standardizing deer population monitoring techniques.  The group took part in a workshop in Reno in 2005 to discuss differences and try to find solutions.  This resulted in a published paper (Mason et al. 2006.  A case for standardized ungulate surveys and data management in the western United States, Wildlife Society Bulletin  34:1238-1242).  The MDWG went on to published a 120-page handbook for deer managers titled “Methods for Monitoring Mule Deer Populations.”

· Because renewable and nonrenewable energy development has the potential to dramatically affect important mule deer habitat, the MDWG published “Energy Development Guidelines for Mule Deer” to help guide managers towards responsible energy development in mule deer habitat.

· The MDWG worked with outdoor video giant Orion Multimedia to put together a video production to reach a larger audience with the products and information they have assembled.  The resulting show titled “Mule Deer: Saving the Icon of the West” is airing on the Sportsman Channel throughout the year.