Division of Wildlife Resources biologists conduct their annual deer population surveys after the fall hunting seasons. After last year's hunts, DWR biologists estimated there were about 280,000 deer in the state. That's a decrease of about 10 percent from the 310,000 deer that were estimated after the 2001 hunts.
"The major reason for the decrease is that fewer deer fawns are making it to adulthood. Range conditions have deteriorated because of the drought, and that makes it harder for does to care for their fawns," said Jim Karpowitz, big game coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources.
While the total number of deer is down slightly, buck-to-doe ratios in all of the DWR's regions are close to or above the objective of 15 bucks per 100 does, so there are good numbers of bucks in the herds.
Karpowitz says the condition of the deer in Utah varies according to where they live. "If you take a map of Utah and draw a line down the middle, dividing the state into a western portion and an eastern portion, you'll get a good idea," he said.
"In the western portion, we had a good, wet spring. The mountains greened up well and the deer are in good shape," he said. "Most of eastern Utah didn't receive much snow or rain this past winter or spring. The severe drought continues there, and lots of important deer winter range and other ranges have been lost."
Chronic Wasting Disease Sampling
During the opening weekend of the hunt, chronic wasting disease (CWD) sampling check stations will be set up on major roadways in 17 of the state's hunting units. Hunters who take a deer are encouraged to stop at a check station so DWR biologists can obtain a tissue sample from their animal.
"To obtain a proper sample, it's important that hunters keep their deer in the shade and keep it as cool as possible," said DWR biologist Leslie McFarlane. "They also need to get it to us within 48 hours of taking the deer."
The 17 units that will be sampled cover most of the state. Maps showing which units are being sampled are available at DWR offices and the DWR's Internet Web site (wildlife.utah.gov). To find the map, go to the Hunting portion of the Web site.
Off-Highway Vehicles and Fire
Before heading out this year, Karpowitz encourages rifle hunters to learn off-highway vehicle regulations by contacting the agency (usually the U.S. Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management) that manages the land on which they'll be hunting. "It's important that hunters protect their OHV riding privilege by learning which roads and trails are open to OHV use and then keeping their OHVs on those roads and trails," he said.
Hunters are also reminded that while there aren't fire restrictions in Utah right now, fire danger is still high and they need to be careful with their fires.
Permits Still Available
It's not too late to get involved in this year's hunt, as Northern Region permits remain available. Resident and nonresident hunters may purchase them at the DWR's six offices and from 59 license agents in the state. Last year, Northern Region permits sold out the Thursday before the hunt began.
Until 7 a.m. on October 14, hunters who have a major credit card can also buy them on the DWR's Web site (wildlife.utah.gov). Permits will not be available on the Internet after 7 a.m. on October 14 because there won't be enough time before the season starts to get permits to hunters through the mail.
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