As drought and wildfire conditions intensify throughout the west, sportsmen and wildlife biologists are concerned about the health of wildlife populations.

In much of the western United States, rainfall is 75% or normal or less for the year (see map below). According to the National Drought Mitigation Center, every state in the western half of the United States is suffering from drought impacts or is part of a drought watch area.

With continued drought, not only does the risk for wildlife increase, but degradation of habitat conditions is occurring. In some areas, the impacts on habitat may have long term impacts on mule deer and other wildlife.       (continue) 

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January 2002- June 2002 was the driest 6 month period on record for Colorado, Utah and Arizona.

Drought is expected to continue in the West until the mountain snowpacks build up next winter.

Water content reaches 70% by weight in mule deer.

Pregnant does require significantly more water during late gestation and lactation.

Deer can consume 1.3 to 1.6 gallons of water per day.

Alaska  
Arizona
California
Colorado
Idaho  
Montana
Nebraska 
Nevada
New Mexico
   Drought Plan (see Sec 10)
Oregon
Texas 
Utah
   Drought Response Plan
Washington
   Drought Plan
Wyoming