Mule Deer Foundation - Okanogan Trails Chapter

07/17/2026

WILDLIFE WEDNESDAY

For this Wildlife Wednesday, we are highlighting the resilient mule deer, a common sight near Chief Joseph Dam. Easily recognized by their oversized, mule-like ears and black-tipped white tails, these deer are perfectly adapted to the region's rugged shrub-steppe and basalt cliffs. Unlike white-tailed deer, their antlers fork in pairs as they grow, making them a highly distinctive part of our local landscape along the Columbia River.

To survive this challenging terrain, mule deer possess incredible adaptations, including a unique bounding leap called "stotting." By launching all four hooves off the ground at once, they can quickly scale steep, rocky hillsides to escape predators. Their acute senses, including exceptional night vision and a powerful sense of smell, also help them safely forage for native bitterbrush and sagebrush during the twilight hours.

As seasonal changes bring these herds to lower elevations around Chief Joseph Dam for food, encounters with the public naturally increase. If you are visiting or working in the area, keep an eye out for mule deer in the area!

07/14/2026

Okanogan hunter and veteran Eduardo Ramos shares what it means to celebrate America's public land tradition.

Arizona’s public lands belong to all of us, not just those who can afford access.

As a hunter, veteran, and son of Mexican immigrants, Eduardo Ramos knows firsthand how public lands create opportunities for healing, connection, and family traditions. He has also seen what happens when access disappears.

In his op-ed, he shares why protecting Arizona’s public lands is about preserving our outdoor heritage and ensuring future generations can hunt, fish, hike, and explore these incredible places.

Read the full piece in the Arizona Daily Star: https://ow.ly/mj0350Zn7wO

05/21/2026

Did you know? Newborn fawns are alone in the early days of their life for a reason. This allows them to hide from predators before they are developed enough to outrun them.

Every year, wildlife biologists receive numerous phone calls from the public concerning "abandoned" newborn fawns. In almost every instance, the fawns have not been abandoned and are waiting for the doe to return to nurse. If you find a spotted fawn alone, please don’t disturb them at all. Share this post to help grow our herds!

05/21/2026

Worth knowing!

New research detailing how much space elk, deer, pronghorn and moose need offers a blueprint for rural planners.

05/09/2026

05/09/2026

One year ago, this past weekend, was the 1st ever Blacktail Deer Foundation banquet and it was hosted by the Kodiak Blacktail Chapter.
This upcoming Saturday is the chapters 2nd annual banquet and we want you to join us. We need to give our headcount to the caterer (Nuniaq) later today, so do us a favor and get registered with the link below.

https://muledeer.myeventscenter.com/event/Kodiak-Ak-Kodiak-Blacktail-Chapter-Banquet-123742?redir=1

05/09/2026

05/03/2026

The Idaho legislature recently passed a concurrent resolution recognizing the importance of wildlife connectivity and big game migrations in Idaho.

This is a big win for Idaho wildlife and motorists as this resolution states that the Legislature supports the advancement of public safety and conservation of Idaho's big game migrations through wildlife crossings where appropriate and supported by locals. Big game requires big landscapes to move and thrive. Enhancing wildlife connectivity in our increasingly fragmented landscape is essential, and we are grateful for the Idaho legislature recognizing the importance of wildlife moving freely and safely in Idaho.

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4drcb5l

📷 Cervidae Wildlife Crossing outside Boise, ID.