The Backyard Biologist

The Last Mule Deer Doe

528 Comments
Backstraps Tonight!

Michael Patrick McCarty

October 19, 2013

I harvested a sleek young mule deer doe today, dropped cleanly with a fast-moving .270 caliber bullet well before the crack of the rifle had begun to die away in the thin mountain air. It was a fitting end to a hunt that had barely begun, yet at the same time a fine beginning to something so much more. Why then, did it cause a small pang of concern, like I had done something somehow wrong and irreversible?

It had not been a difficult hunt in the rugged landscape around me, where so often in the past it had been exactly the opposite. She had been standing with another doe just above a dirt access track stretching through a small parcel of public ground, and when the bullet hit her she had made one jump and came to rest in the middle of the road. A quick field dressing and a short flip to the waiting tailgate and she was off to the garage (Looking for Mount Prospect garage door installation or repair? Click here… to get your hands on the best services) to hang and cool, and it won’t be long before some savory steaks and roasts hit the plate. It’s what dreams of wild game dinners are made of.

It was a planned meat hunt first and foremost, and in that respect it was a mission accomplished for which I do not apologize. I am a fan of mule deer for the table, though I do acknowledge that many people would disagree. To be honest, I would also admit that although I do like it, for the most part this western venison is not my favorite big game offering.

Given a choice, I would rather walk a substantial distance for some expertly grilled chops from a properly fed mid-west Whitetail. I would, and have, walked heroic distances for the well-earned privilege of packing back a heavy load of elk meat. I’ve also worn out a considerable swath of boot leather in pursuit of mule deer in all kinds of terrain, mostly in search of the all too few with some heavy horn on top of their head. I have not always been willing to walk so far just for a meal of mule deer.

This past Spring it occurred to me to try something different this year, and I don’t begrudge myself an easy hunt for a change. Lord knows that I and many of my friends deserve something short of an expedition occasionally, and one’s goals do tend to develop over time. I also wanted to give a mule deer a fresh chance in the culinary department, thinking that perhaps it might be best not to judge things on the taste of tough old buckskin taken well past their prime. A freezer full of protein also does wonders to combat the ever rising grocery bill.

The state of Colorado does issue a limited number of anterless deer permits for the regular rifle seasons, with an emphasis on “not too many”. To my surprise I was lucky enough to draw a license for an area close to my home, which made it all the more enjoyable. The rest, shall we say, is in the books.

What I failed to mention is that they were the only two deer that we saw that morning, in spite of a three-mile hike through some once great deer country and then, later, a short drive to another area. Nor did I say that I could easily see two houses from where my doe had come to lay, and I knew that there were several more not far over the hill.

Such is the reality of things in the ever more settled west. The deer are not always located in some far often mountain valley, and sometimes you must hunt them where they are. And sometimes you hunt them in places that you used to hunt, years before, in a place where not long ago there were no houses to see.

Things are changing rapidly in the Rocky Mountains, and the once vast Mule Deer herds have been dramatically impacted by that change. Populations have been in serious decline in Colorado and other states, for reasons that are not so clear and steeped in worried speculation. To be blunt, Mule Deer are in serious trouble, and their ultimate fate as a species is in real jeopardy.

I, for one, did not have to read a detailed report to come to that sad conclusion. The evidence is everywhere; the end result devastating. Herd sizes have dropped by 50% since I moved to Colorado in the mid 1970’s, and the absence of deer is remarkably obvious. As a result, the number of hunting permits have been severely reduced and tightly controlled, with less than encouraging results.

For some time it is has not been easy for a resident of Colorado to obtain a deer tag of any kind, and when you do it can be difficult to locate a legal buck. Finding a trophy animal can prove nearly impossible for even the best of hunter’s. It’s just not easy being a deer hunter these days.

Unfortunately, the worst may be yet to come. It is debatable whether the herds have stopped their terrifying free fall and reached a period of relative stability. Why then, one might ask, are there any doe tags at all?

What is difficult to pin down are the exact reasons for the decline, and public opinion is wide-ranging and increasingly heated. There is great debate over the effectiveness of the overall state big game management plan, and one wonders if there is really any plan at all. One hand does not always appear to be aware of what the other is doing across state agencies, and I can only hope that in this case the harvesting of a doe somehow contributes to the overall health of the deer herd in this particular game management unit.

I have heard most of the standard theories of cause and reaction. Of course I have a few of my own, or simply weigh all of the factors in my own way. Some people are quick to put the blame on an overabundance of coyotes and other predators, and no doubt there is some truth to that. Others blame highway mortality, road building and natural gas drilling, and all forms of habitat loss. More than a few people say that what deer habitat that is left is of poor nutritional quality, and there is an increasing effort underway to remove sections of old growth forest and range and replace them with rejuvenated browse and plant communities. The long term drought certainly has not helped, and maybe, just maybe, there are now just too many elk.

More than likely it is caused by a combination of all of the above, and I don’t know how it will turn out for the deer in the final outcome. Nor does anyone else out there really know for sure. It may be that Mule Deer are simply incapable of tolerating or forgiving the daily trespasses of man, and that their loss to history is essentially assured. That would be unspeakably sad.

I do know that the mule deer is a western icon of immeasurable proportions, and the Rocky Mountains would simply be a hollow and soulless shell of itself without them.

Call me selfish, but the possibility of their disappearance is not acceptable. I intend to smile over their big ears and bouncing, improbable gait for however many years that I have left, and I hope that you can too. To watch them brings pure and simple joy. To hunt them is an honor and a gift that should never be taken for granted.

I hope that the current trend of decline can be permanently reversed, for their sake and for ours. I wish that there will always be Mule Deer to hunt, along with a place to hunt them that remains wild and free. Most of all I would like to shake the sinking feeling that I am hunting one of the last female’s of her glorious and irreplaceable kind.

Thankfully, that is still quite far from the truth, at least for now. It is not too late to help ensure that such an unthinkable day never comes.

In the meantime, I will do my best to use all parts of my animal as gratefully as possible. I look forward to many fine meals ahead, provided by an animal I both respect and cherish. It makes each small bite a most precious encounter.

Got any good recipes?

—————————————————————————————————————–

Food Freedom, and Long Live The Mule Deer Too!

Michael Patrick McCarty

Interested in big game conservation? Take a look at the Mule Deer Foundation.

Mule Deer Does with their large, prominent, namesake ears
All Ears – And Ready To Go!

 

528 thoughts on “The Last Mule Deer Doe”

  7. Thanks for helping me to gain new strategies about pcs. I also possess the belief that one of the best ways to keep your mobile computer in primary condition is by using a hard plastic case, and also shell, that matches over the top of your computer. These kind of protective gear tend to be model precise since they are manufactured to fit perfectly across the natural housing. You can buy these directly from owner, or via third party sources if they are intended for your laptop, however not all laptop could have a spend on the market. Just as before, thanks for your suggestions.

    Reply

  43. branded and generic tadalafil UK pharmacy [url=https://intimacareuk.com/#]confidential delivery cialis UK[/url] branded and generic tadalafil UK pharmacy

    Reply

  50. cialis cheap price UK delivery [url=https://intimacareuk.com/#]buy ED pills online discreetly UK[/url] tadalafil generic alternative UK

    Reply

  54. discreet ivermectin shipping UK [url=https://meditrustuk.com/#]discreet ivermectin shipping UK[/url] ivermectin cheap price online UK

    Reply

  59. weekend pill UK online pharmacy [url=http://intimacareuk.com/#]buy ED pills online discreetly UK[/url] branded and generic tadalafil UK pharmacy

    Reply

  95. Situs Togel Toto 4D [url=https://linklist.bio/inatogelbrand#]Login Alternatif Togel[/url] Official Link Situs Toto Togel

    Reply

  101. INA TOGEL Daftar [url=https://linklist.bio/inatogelbrand#]Situs Togel Terpercaya Dan Bandar[/url] INA TOGEL Daftar

    Reply

  113. pharmacie en ligne france livraison internationale [url=https://pharmaexpressfrance.com/#]pharmacie en ligne[/url] pharmacies en ligne certifiГ©es

    Reply

  116. PharmaExpress [url=https://pharmaexpressfrance.shop/#]medicaments generiques et originaux France[/url] vente de mГ©dicament en ligne

    Reply

  129. Hi, Neat post. There’s an issue along with your web site in web explorer, might test this?K IE nonetheless is the market chief and a big component to other folks will miss your magnificent writing due to this problem.

    Reply

  131. TrueMeds Pharmacy [url=http://truemedspharm.com/#]reputable canadian pharmacy[/url] canadian pharmacy world coupon

    Reply

  135. the canadian pharmacy [url=http://truemedspharm.com/#]canadian pharmacy world coupon[/url] austria pharmacy online

    Reply

  149. buy antibiotics online safely [url=https://clearmedspharm.shop/#]buy antibiotics online safely[/url] cheap antibiotics

    Reply

  157. link alternatif garuda888 terbaru [url=https://1win888indonesia.shop/#]agen garuda888 bonus new member[/url] link alternatif garuda888 terbaru

    Reply

  162. giri gratis Book of Ra Deluxe [url=https://1wbook.com/#]Book of Ra Deluxe slot online Italia[/url] book of ra deluxe

    Reply

  166. bonaslot [url=https://1wbona.com/#]bonaslot kasino online terpercaya[/url] bonaslot jackpot harian jutaan rupiah

    Reply

  170. Book of Ra Deluxe soldi veri [url=http://1wbook.com/#]recensioni Book of Ra Deluxe slot[/url] Book of Ra Deluxe slot online Italia

    Reply

  174. In this awesome design of things you receive a B+ with regard to hard work. Exactly where you actually confused everybody ended up being on the particulars. You know, they say, details make or break the argument.. And it couldn’t be more accurate in this article. Having said that, allow me inform you what exactly did do the job. The text is actually really powerful and this is most likely the reason why I am taking an effort in order to opine. I do not make it a regular habit of doing that. Secondly, despite the fact that I can certainly notice a jumps in reason you make, I am not really certain of exactly how you seem to unite your details that make the actual conclusion. For the moment I will yield to your issue however trust in the near future you connect your facts better.

    Reply

  175. garuda888 live casino Indonesia [url=http://1win888indonesia.com/#]garuda888 login resmi tanpa ribet[/url] agen garuda888 bonus new member

    Reply

  178. giocare a Starburst gratis senza registrazione [url=https://1wstarburst.com/#]Starburst slot online Italia[/url] giocare da mobile a Starburst

    Reply

  192. world pharmacy india [url=https://bharatmedsdirect.shop/#]BharatMeds Direct[/url] buy medicines online in india

    Reply

  197. MapleMeds Direct [url=https://maplemedsdirect.shop/#]MapleMeds Direct[/url] online pharmacy without scripts

    Reply

  200. BorderMeds Express [url=https://bordermedsexpress.com/#]viagra pills from mexico[/url] sildenafil mexico online

    Reply

  205. gabapentin mexican pharmacy [url=https://bordermedsexpress.com/#]BorderMeds Express[/url] BorderMeds Express

    Reply

  209. BharatMeds Direct [url=http://bharatmedsdirect.com/#]reputable indian online pharmacy[/url] Online medicine home delivery

    Reply

  231. Farmacia online piГ№ conveniente [url=http://farmacidiretti.com/#]FarmaciDiretti[/url] migliori farmacie online 2024

    Reply

  235. farmacie online autorizzate elenco [url=https://forzaintima.shop/#]acquistare kamagra gel online[/url] farmacie online sicure

    Reply

  240. farmacia online senza ricetta [url=http://farmacidiretti.com/#]tadalafil senza ricetta[/url] comprare farmaci online con ricetta

    Reply

  243. farmacia online piГ№ conveniente [url=http://forzaintima.com/#]trattamenti per la salute sessuale senza ricetta[/url] п»їFarmacia online migliore

    Reply

  250. get generic clomid now [url=https://ferticareonline.com/#]can you buy generic clomid pill[/url] order cheap clomid without rx

    Reply

  283. Sildenafil oral jelly fast absorption effect [url=https://kamameds.shop/#]Online sources for Kamagra in the United States[/url] Non-prescription ED tablets discreetly shipped

    Reply

  288. Affordable sildenafil citrate tablets for men [url=http://kamameds.com/#]Online sources for Kamagra in the United States[/url] Compare Kamagra with branded alternatives

    Reply

  297. Non-prescription ED tablets discreetly shipped [url=https://kamameds.shop/#]Sildenafil oral jelly fast absorption effect[/url] Kamagra oral jelly USA availability

    Reply

  304. Non-prescription ED tablets discreetly shipped [url=http://kamameds.com/#]Safe access to generic ED medication[/url] Fast-acting ED solution with discreet packaging

    Reply

  331. KamaMeds [url=https://kamameds.com/#]Online sources for Kamagra in the United States[/url] Non-prescription ED tablets discreetly shipped

    Reply

  335. KamaMeds [url=http://kamameds.com/#]Non-prescription ED tablets discreetly shipped[/url] ED treatment without doctor visits

    Reply

  340. Non-prescription ED tablets discreetly shipped [url=https://kamameds.shop/#]ED treatment without doctor visits[/url] Affordable sildenafil citrate tablets for men

    Reply

  344. Kamagra oral jelly USA availability [url=http://kamameds.com/#]Online sources for Kamagra in the United States[/url] Online sources for Kamagra in the United States

    Reply

  351. Mexican Pharmacy Hub [url=http://mexicanpharmacyhub.com/#]trusted mexico pharmacy with US shipping[/url] Mexican Pharmacy Hub

    Reply

  355. panadol osteo pharmacy [url=https://medidirectusa.shop/#]viagra hong kong pharmacy[/url] diplomat pharmacy

    Reply

  372. buy viagra pharmacy malaysia [url=https://medidirectusa.shop/#]online pharmacy prescription[/url] viagra online us pharmacy no prescription

    Reply

  378. Mexican Pharmacy Hub [url=https://mexicanpharmacyhub.shop/#]Mexican Pharmacy Hub[/url] Mexican Pharmacy Hub

    Reply

  383. world pharmacy india [url=https://indianmedsone.com/#]п»їlegitimate online pharmacies india[/url] Indian Meds One

    Reply

  394. Situs judi resmi berlisensi [url=https://betawinindo.top/#]Situs judi resmi berlisensi[/url] Link alternatif Beta138

    Reply

  412. Slot oyunlar? Pinco-da [url=https://pinwinaz.pro/#]Etibarl? onlayn kazino Az?rbaycanda[/url] Pinco r?smi sayt

    Reply

  432. Swerte99 slots [url=https://swertewin.life/#]Swerte99 casino walang deposit bonus para sa Pinoy[/url] Swerte99 casino

    Reply

  434. Tizanidine 2mg 4mg tablets for sale [url=https://relaxmedsusa.shop/#]relief from muscle spasms online[/url] order Tizanidine without prescription

    Reply

  441. RelaxMedsUSA [url=http://relaxmedsusa.com/#]muscle relaxants online no Rx[/url] prescription-free muscle relaxants

    Reply

  446. safe online source for Tizanidine [url=https://relaxmedsusa.shop/#]affordable Zanaflex online pharmacy[/url] affordable Zanaflex online pharmacy

    Reply

  449. cost of rybelsus on medicare [url=https://glucosmartrx.com/#]AsthmaFree Pharmacy[/url] rybelsus over the counter

    Reply

  452. AsthmaFree Pharmacy [url=https://asthmafreepharmacy.shop/#]where can i buy ventolin over the counter[/url] ventolin 2mg tablet

    Reply

  460. ventolin tablet medication [url=http://asthmafreepharmacy.com/#]ventolin inhaler no prescription[/url] ventolin price in usa

    Reply

  467. Zanaflex medication fast delivery [url=https://relaxmedsusa.com/#]safe online source for Tizanidine[/url] cheap muscle relaxer online USA

    Reply

  476. where can i buy ventolin over the counter [url=https://asthmafreepharmacy.com/#]ventolin.com[/url] AsthmaFree Pharmacy

    Reply

  487. buy Zanaflex online USA [url=https://relaxmedsusa.com/#]Zanaflex medication fast delivery[/url] buy Zanaflex online USA

    Reply

  494. mexico pharmacy [url=http://mexicarerxhub.com/#]rybelsus from mexican pharmacy[/url] MexiCare Rx Hub

    Reply

  498. CanadRx Nexus [url=https://canadrxnexus.com/#]canada discount pharmacy[/url] canadapharmacyonline com

    Reply

  502. buy viagra from mexican pharmacy [url=https://mexicarerxhub.shop/#]gabapentin mexican pharmacy[/url] accutane mexico buy online

    Reply

  515. MexiCare Rx Hub [url=https://mexicarerxhub.shop/#]MexiCare Rx Hub[/url] buy cheap meds from a mexican pharmacy

    Reply

  525. buy drugs from canada [url=https://canadrxnexus.shop/#]canada drugstore pharmacy rx[/url] CanadRx Nexus

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *