Supporting and growing Utah’s mule deer populations are top priorities for the Division of Wildlife Resources. The DWR has shared that over the past few decades, Utah has seen periods of growth and decline in deer numbers. The 2024 post-hunting season population estimate was approximately 295,200 deer which is 73% of the long-term management objective of 404,900 deer. Factors that reduce production and survival rates of fawns and doe deer include extreme weather and precipitation, predator balance, quality and quantity of available habitat, vehicle collisions, and fences and other deer migration disruptions. Locals can join the discussion on supporting Utah’s deer herds by sharing ideas at upcoming local meetings. Topics will include updates on regional deer herds, disease information and implications, and predator issues within the region. The Roosevelt discussion will be held on January 13th at the Roosevelt Innovation Hub from 6 to 8pm. The Vernal discussion will be held on January 14th at the Uintah Conference Center from 6 to 8pm.
