The closure came as a surprise for many but wildlife officials have explained the need for the emergency statewide restrictions for shed antler hunting on both private and public lands. The Division of Wildlife Resources shares that biologists have been monitoring the condition of the deer, as well as snow depths and winter temperatures, across Utah since early December. “These monitoring efforts include body condition and health assessments conducted during the big game captures that take place each December. Biologists measure and record overall deer condition, body fat levels and fawn weights of the animals going into winter. Biologists also place GPS collars on deer to monitor animal migrations and survival. Data from these monitoring efforts and GPS tracking show that the extreme cold and increased snowpack across the state are starting to impact mule deer fawn survival rates, and may negatively impact the ability of the adult deer to survive the winter.” Those who violate the emergency statewide restrictions can be cited.
The DWR will continue their monitoring and may lift the closure before April 30th if conditions allow.
