Study to look at oil industry impact on mule deer

DICKINSON, N.D. (AP) — The Mule Deer Foundation is planning a study of the effects of western North Dakota's booming energy industry on the mule deer population. Results won't be known for years.

Foundation Regional Director Marshall Johnson tells The Dickinson Press that officials think energy development and the increased housing development and traffic it has brought all have impacted mule deer.

Johnson says the foundation is not an enemy of the oil industry but it does want “responsible” energy development.

Bruce Stillings with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department says he thinks the recent harsh winters are the reason for a drop in the mule deer population.

Stillings says a study on the oil industry's impacts won't begin until next year and could take as long as five years to finish.

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