After declining in recent years, Utah is looking for new ways to improve the mule deer population

SALT LAKE CITY — A lot has happened since the state implemented its latest mule deer management plan in 2019.

A year later, extreme drought conditions occurred that lasted until 2023 and played a major role in the state's population decline. Even the winter of 2022/23 and its record snow cover have not improved the situation. All of this exacerbated ongoing problems impacting deer, including predation by bears, cougars and coyotes, and habitat loss from development in the growing state.

Wildlife biologists estimated that the state was home to 376,450 deer in 2018, but that number fell to 279,000 when this year's hunting permits were implemented – over 125,000 deer fewer than the state's population goal.

So it's no surprise that Utah's new deer management plan could focus heavily on “raising more deer.” The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources released its proposed plan Wednesday, emphasizing the need to help the state's population recover.

If approved by the Utah Wildlife Board, it could take effect in December and remain in effect for the next six years.

“If we can implement these strategies, we're really optimistic about the future and what we can do for mule deer,” Dax Mangus, the department's big game program coordinator, said in a lengthy video explaining the plan the agency is making had also uploaded.

The state's plan does not change the final population goal of 404,900 deer, but does include some changes to how to get there.

It would set a new buck-to-doe ratio of 15-17 bucks per 100 deer for most hunting units, which is slightly lower than in the past. The Box Elder, Chalk Creek, East Canyon, Kamas, Morgan-South Rich, Nine Mile, Ogden, Oquirrh/Tintic, Pine Valley, Yellowstone and Zion units would have ratios of approximately 18 to $20 per 100 females remaining.

Mangus explained that the goal of the ratio is to help the population recover while improving disease resistance – particularly given the ongoing threat of chronic wasting diseases – and to provide more opportunities for hunters. The lower the buck number, the more permits are issued; The most recent statewide average ratio was around 21 bucks to 100 does during the most recent population estimate, leading the state to add thousands of new permits for this fall's hunting season even as the overall population declined.

Some of the state's hunting units would also be streamlined.

A committee made up of various groups — including biologists, conservation groups, hunters and elected officials — created the proposed plan after various meetings on the topic in recent months. Studies, surveys and other data were used to create their document, wildlife officials said.

Nearly 3,500 Utah hunters took part in a survey related to the plan that produced mostly “divided” results. The hunters wanted more “quality” bucks and more opportunities, but less crowding, which Mangus called a “tough task.” However, he found that more hunters were willing to wait for permits and were interested in ways to improve the population.

The new plan would be implemented over a six-year period with two three-year hunt structure cycles, slightly different from the typical five-year plan. It would address habitat, predators, development, fencing and other challenges that impact deer.

The proposal must undergo public review before it may be implemented.

Residents can submit public comments online through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website until Nov. 21. Several regional advisory committee meetings will also be held between Nov. 6 and 14 before the Utah Wildlife Board is scheduled to vote on the matter during the Dec. 12 event at the Eccles Wildlife Education Center in Farmington.

If approved, it would take effect immediately.