A mule deer ponders a tall fence that creates a boundary along the Red-Desert-to-Hoback migration route. Some 5,000 deer make the trip each year, which crosses numerous man-made obstacles like fencing near elk feedgrounds. (Joe Riis)

Every year 5,000 mule deer migrate along parts or all of a 150-mile route from the Red Desert to the Hoback Basin. Along they way they encounter a variety of man-made obstacles like highways and houses.

For this mule deer buck, a tall fence creates a boundary to be negotiated. Such fences are located at several points along the migration route near elk feedgrounds. The woven wire keeps elk separate from cattle, partly to reduce chances of brucellosis transmission.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission is considering new policies that would recommend ways for federal land managers to minimize oil and gas development along high-use wildlife corridors.

For more, check out these WyoFile stories and a video about mule deer migration and research:

Wildlife migration: Is there a path to policy? by Gregory Nickerson | NOVEMBER 24, 2015

When Mule Deer Fly – Video by Angus M. Thuermer Jr. | JANUARY 26, 2015

Research seeks reasons for demise of mule deer by Angus M. Thuermer Jr. | JANUARY 20, 2015

Critical mule deer research relies on fundraising by Angus M. Thuermer Jr. | JANUARY 21, 2015

Gregory Nickerson worked as government and policy reporter for WyoFile from 2012-2015. He studied history at the University of Wyoming. Follow Greg on Twitter at @GregNickersonWY and on www.facebook.com/GregoryNickersonWriter/

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