I was getting worried about the Black Mesa Mule Deer during this camping trip. By my fourth day at Black Mesa State Park in Oklahoma, I had not seen a single one. Then four crossed the road near my campsite Thursday morning.
Black Mesa Mule Deer Cross the Campground Road
I was leaving before sunrise to drive over to Black Mesa Nature Preserve when I spotted them. Two bucks and two does crossed in front of me, right in the campground area.
After several days without a sighting, I was glad to see all four. They stayed in the area to feed, giving me time to watch and photograph them. I had been heading away from camp to look for wildlife, but I found these deer before getting far.
I have photographed mule deer at this park on past visits. One encounter led to my post, Mule Deer Buck Stares at Ground in Black Mesa State Park. This time, I was pleased to spend part of the morning watching the group feed near camp.
Photographing a Buck and Doe Near Camp
Because the deer remained in the area, I had time for photographs beyond the road crossing. The buck and doe portraits show details I enjoy seeing when I spend time with mule deer.
The buck faces me with his large ears spread beside his antlers. Velvet covers the antlers, and patches of brown and gray show across his coat. In the doe portrait, her upright ears stand out against the soft green background.
Both deer looked toward me for these photographs. Along with watching them feed, I enjoyed those chances to photograph their faces and ears.
My Concern About Oklahoma’s Deer Population
I had read about long-term mule deer declines across much of the western United States, with trends varying by region. That was on my mind while I waited for my first sighting of this trip.
A few days without seeing deer cannot tell me how the local population is doing. Oklahoma also has gaps in its mule deer data. ODWC describes them as an understudied species with unknown population dynamics and presumed low densities in western Oklahoma.
Researchers are collecting data from 2024 through 2026, with a final report planned for 2027. They are studying survival, distribution, and habitat use to help guide management and future monitoring. ODWC explains the work in Wired for the Wild: Tracking Mule Deer in Oklahoma.
I cannot draw a population conclusion from these four deer. I was glad to see them, and to spend time watching and photographing mule deer near my campsite again.
Wow, so beautiful.