We used to see a pretty robust recovery between (bad winters) and the deer would bounce back, but not anymore.

The most important part of this initiative ... is how to get the public actively involved in mule deer management. We've got to (let the public know) why we don't have - and may not ever have - those deer numbers again like the '50s and '60s.

What this suggests is that we need more of a robust and effective diplomatic strategy.

We're probably reaching some equilibrium between populations and habitat conditions. The habitat in Wyoming has changed in ways that are now conducive to having more elk.

This is a lull, not a recovery. In this sort of situation, a small bounce-back happens quite often. (It) is wishful thinking. But the point is, it is not over.

It was a pretty good first quarter. We came out OK; we just didn't match their intensity. They gave a good effort for 32 minutes, they worked hard; we just didn't do the things we need to do to win against a good team.