Tracking the Journey of Wyoming’s Ultra-Migratory Deer 255

Deer 255, a mule deer doe renowned for her extraordinary migrations across Wyoming, has captivated the attention of wildlife enthusiasts and researchers alike, Billings Gazette reports.

Known for traveling over 200 miles each spring and fall, her migrations from the Leucite Hills of the Red Desert to areas like Grand Teton National Park and even Idaho have earned her a reputation as one of the most remarkable migratory animals in the state.

Gregory Nickerson, a former WyoFile reporter and current writer for the Wyoming Migration Initiative, spent years following Deer 255’s movements, documenting her travels as she embarked on one of the longest mule deer migrations ever tracked by scientists. His efforts to locate her involved everything from crouching motionless in aspen groves to climbing steep, difficult terrain in search of a collar signal. His dedication to understanding Deer 255’s remarkable journey grew as he compiled his research into a forthcoming book, “The Superior Deer,” a working title that nods to the doe’s migratory path and her importance in migration science.

Nickerson first became aware of Deer 255 in 2016 when she was fitted with a tracking collar as part of the Wyoming Migration Initiative’s research on mule deer. Initially just one of many collared deer, Deer 255’s behavior soon stood out. She outpaced other deer, traveling 100 miles farther than her peers. Her collar stopped functioning, but when she was recaptured in 2018, researchers identified her as the now-famous “Deer 255.” From that point, she became known for her annual migration of roughly 200 miles, a distance that would later grow to 242 miles by 2024.

Nickerson’s fascination with Deer 255 began with these long migrations. Over time, the mule deer became a central figure in his storytelling, as he tracked her through all seasons of the year. Nickerson said the deer’s journey was never easy, noting that while GPS tracking provided some help, her elusive nature made her hard to locate in the wild.

Through his work with the Wyoming Migration Initiative, Nickerson learned about the significance of Deer 255’s migration patterns, which offered insights into the larger context of wildlife migration in the West. His book will intertwine Deer 255’s travels with historical accounts of animal migration, shedding light on how conservation efforts and management practices have allowed species like mule deer to continue using their traditional migratory routes.

Nickerson’s research is not just about one deer, but also about the broader scientific understanding of migration, aided by advances in technology that have made it easier to track the movement of wildlife. However, he also points out that migration corridors are under increasing pressure due to factors like climate change and human development. He hopes that by telling Deer 255’s story, he can raise awareness of the challenges facing migratory species and inspire further conservation efforts.

The project has earned Nickerson recognition, including the 2025 Pattie Layser Greater Yellowstone Creative Writing & Journalism Fellowship from the Wyoming Arts Council. The fellowship will allow him to further his work on “The Superior Deer” during a week-long residency in the Greater Yellowstone region.

Ultimately, Nickerson believes that the life of Deer 255 holds valuable lessons about the world we share with animals. Through the doe’s journey, he hopes to connect readers to the broader story of migration, conservation, and our ongoing relationship with the natural world.