Why Mule Deer?
Mule deer are native to many parts of the Mojave Desert. While anecdotal evidence from early residents suggests that a population of mule deer may have occupied piñon-juniper and sagebrush habitats in what is now Mojave National Preserve, it is unclear whether they historically occupied the area. Whatever the case, in 1948, in order to expand nearby populations, CDFG released nine bucks and 31 does into the New York and Providence mountains. Today, Mojave National Preserve encompasses one of the most significant habitats for mule deer in the Mojave Desert. Hunting of this mule deer population started in 1955 and continues to this day. Cattle Ranching Cattle have grazed in the Mojave Desert for over 100 years. In the desert, ranchers use a system of wells to provide water for animals as they are moved between various areas of forage to avoid over-utilization and maximize livestock production. When the wells are turned on through the use of windmills, pumps, generators, and so forth, wat
