PRINEVILLE, Ore.--The Maury Unit Mule Deer Initiative Planning Committee will meet Tuesday, April 21 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm at Crook County Fire and Rescue, 500 NE Belknap Street in Prineville.

The 12-member committee intends to discuss habitat issues and potential habitat projects at this meeting. Planning committee members include representatives from Oregon Hunters Association, Mule Deer Foundation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, BLM, U.S. Forest Service, Crook County Weed Board, Crook County Stock Growers plus private landowners and Crook County Commissioner Ken Fahlgreen.

Members of the public are welcome to attend to listen to the meeting. An opportunity for public comment is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. 

The Mule Deer Initiative is a new effort by ODFW, partner sportsman organizations, land managers and others to increase mule deer, which are found east of the crest of the Cascade Mountain Range. Maury is one of five wildlife management units selected for the initial effort.

Mule deer populations have declined across the western United States for a variety of reasons including loss of habitat, changes in land and predator management practices and other factors. Many of today’s hunters grew up hunting mule deer and want their kids and grandkids to have the same opportunities they did.

Mule deer hunting and viewing also contribute significant dollars to eastern Oregon’s economy. Last year, more than 74,000 people went deer hunting in eastern Oregon, generating an estimated $22 million for the economy.

The group is expected to meet on several more occasions before making recommendations to ODFW staff.

For more information contact Meg Eden at (541) 447-5111.

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