Hide and Seek: Where Do the Mule Deer Go?
It has been speculated that mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) may not be as abundant the Alberta landscape as we thought, which has a 2025 pre-hunting season estimate of over 140,000 (GoA 2025). This project will help us gather the data to have a better understanding of their population.
Not only will this collaring project analyze the amount of mule deer are roaming Western Canada, but it will also assess their habitat and mortality rate. And the best part? We will share our findings with you!
The goal of the project is to improve our understanding of mule deer movements, habitat use, and survival rates across Alberta. GPS collars provide vital tracking data that researchers use to inform wildlife management strategies, support conservation efforts, and help ensure the long-term sustainability of this iconic species.
A bit of background: the project launched in 2024, inspired by similar efforts that began in Utah in 2009. In January 2025, the first 114 mule deer were collared in the southwest and southeast corners of the province. By 2028, hundreds more will be collared through every corner of the province.
Learn more about mule deer: https://www.apos.ab.ca/Species/MuleDeer
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