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Senate committee backs bill allowing separate management of mule deer and whitetail seasons
Summary
Senate File 3 would allow Game and Fish to treat mule deer and whitetail deer separately in statute — including separate license types, fees and quotas — giving the agency an additional management tool; the Committee of the Whole reported the bill favorably after extended debate on hunter impacts and wildlife science.
Senator Driscoll presented Senate File 3, a bill to separate mule deer and whitetail deer in statute so the Wyoming Game and Fish Department can manage the species with distinct licenses, fees and quota tools. Driscoll said the measure responds to declining mule deer herds and the need to provide Game and Fish with additional, science‑based management options.
Driscoll explained the bill "merely separates in statute species of mule deer and white veil deer," and emphasized it does not "force" management changes but provides the department a statutory tool. He said separating the species would allow different license types, distinct fees and the ability to draw limited tags aimed at specific herd objectives. Driscoll also rejected several circulating claims, saying the bill "does not do that" (referring to suggestions that it would necessarily create two tags for every hunter).
Other senators raised constituent concerns that separating statutory licenses could be perceived as extending seasons or requiring hunters to purchase two licenses. Senator Anderson asked whether seasons would be extended and whether hunters would end up with more days afield; sponsors replied that season dates and lengths remain within the Game and Fish Commission's regulatory authority and that the bill only adds a management tool. Senator Schuler and Senator Hicks emphasized the bill is intended to add scientific management options and noted similar species distinctions are routine in other Western states.
Senator Landon said he voted against the bill because many sportsmen in his district opposed it and feared costs and perception that they would need two licenses; he acknowledged the department is already managing by regulation. Driscoll and other supporters said the change is designed to help recover mule deer herds and does not automatically change season dates or require two licenses for hunters.
Action summary: - Committee of the Whole motion that Senate File 3 do pass — moved by Senator Landon; outcome: Committee reported SF3 do pass to the full Senate.
The Committee of the Whole reported the bill favorably after extended debate about hunter perceptions, fees and the scientific case for species‑specific management tools.
