Whitetailed deer are much more common in states to the east of Wyoming, but they’ve been increasing in numbers here for many years. Because they’re not native to many of the areas they now inhabit, they are causing problems for the native mule deer populations. Even though they tend to be smaller, whitetails outcompete muleys for food and other resources, which results in smaller populations of mule deer.
One of the areas the Game and Fish is trying to reduce whitetail numbers is on the lands of the National Ek Refuge near Jackson. If you have a Type 3 or Type 8 whitetail license for hunt areas 148, 150, 151, 152, 155 and 156, you can hunt the Refuge if you have a permission slip. You can get a permission slip through the Game and Fish website, and you can get it at any time during the season – before you head out to hunt, of course.
There are some extra regulations you need to follow if you hunt on the Refuge. For instance, you need to wear two fluorescent orange items that are visible from 360 degrees; and you can’t have more than 7 cartridges with you while you’re hunting. Be sure to read the deer regulations for all the stipulations.
Also, deer hunters on the Refuge need to participate in the chronic wasting disease sampling program. Field personnel should be easy to find if you bag a deer, or you can leave the deer’s head in a barrel at Miller House, West Lot, McBride, East Lot or Highway 89.
Despite the extra regulations, hunting on the Refuge is worth it. You’re helping reduce the number of non-native deer, and you will have better odds for success than most other hunting areas.
Just make sure you know all the extra rules and get that permission slip before you go.
