Utah DWR Seeks Public Input On Mule Deer Plan Renewal

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is seeking public input on proposed changes to the state’s mule deer management plan. Utah’s current deer management plan, approved in 2019, is set to expire in December. As a result, the DWR is proposing a new mule deer management plan that would be in effect from December 12, 2024, through December 2030. In addition, the DWR is recommending new hunting strategies as part of a research study, alongside adjustments to deer, elk, and pronghorn hunting season dates.

The new plan, created with input from a diverse group of stakeholders, aims to enhance mule deer populations and improve hunting opportunities. According to DWR Big Game Coordinator Dax Mangus, the updated plan incorporates recent scientific studies and GPS data, addressing limiting factors for population growth such as habitat loss, predators, and disease. Among the proposed changes are new population management goals and strategies to optimize herd productivity. This includes adjusting some hunting unit buck-to-doe ratios to reduce disease risks and increase hunter participation.

One key aspect of the plan is an updated approach to managing chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Utah’s deer population. The DWR plans to expand disease testing, encourage proper disposal of deer carcasses, and target CWD hotspots with strategic hunts. Additionally, permit numbers would be automatically adjusted by up to 30% based on GPS tracking data, habitat conditions, and weather, ensuring a flexible response to real-time environmental factors.

The DWR is also launching a research study to evaluate new hunting strategies in several units. The study will examine the effects of antler point restrictions and weapon limitations on mule deer populations and hunter satisfaction. For example, a proposed antler restriction in the Pine Valley unit would require hunters to only harvest bucks with four or more points on one side, with exceptions for youth hunters. Restricted weapon hunts would be implemented on other units, including the Beaver and Boulder/Kaiparowits areas.

In addition to deer management changes, the DWR is proposing new hunting seasons for deer, elk, and pronghorn from 2025 to 2027. This includes extended archery-only permits, new hunts to alleviate crowding, and targeted hunts to address CWD. New pronghorn hunts are also proposed for Box Elder units to address crowding issues.

The DWR’s proposals don’t stop at deer and pronghorn. New hunts for bison, bighorn sheep, moose, and mountain goats are also on the table, including a new Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep hunt on Antelope Island and a bull moose hunt in Box Elder.

Get our free mobile app

Public feedback is vital to the approval process, and the DWR encourages Utahns to participate in public meetings or submit comments online. The comment period opened on October 22, and meetings will be held throughout November. The Southern Utah Regional Advisory Council meeting is scheduled for November 12 at Southern Utah University, with online comments accepted until November 7.