How Can We Help Utah’s Mule Deer Thrive Together?

Our friends for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) were in with us this morning for the Wildside show and they are inviting the public to participate in discussions aimed at boosting the state’s mule deer populations. Although permits and strategies for this fall’s hunts have already been set, state wildlife officials emphasize that enhancing deer numbers is a long-term goal requiring broad community involvement. As outlined in the Utah Mule Deer Statewide Management Plan, the focus remains on broader management issues rather than hunting strategies.

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“Growing more deer in Utah is one of our agency’s top priorities,” said DWR Director Riley Peck in a press release. “Although we have put forth a lot of effort into growing mule deer and have conducted a lot of research on what is causing declines in deer populations, this is not something we can do alone.” Peck underscored the importance of partnerships with hunters, conservation groups, private landowners, and local communities in achieving meaningful progress

Read More: DWR Research To Benefit Wildlife Health

Key topics at the upcoming meetings will include restoring critical deer habitats, particularly those affected by wildfires, drought, and invasive plant species. Participants will also discuss predator control programs that are strategically focused on areas where predators have a significant impact on deer populations.

Another area of focus is water abundance and distribution, essential for sustaining both deer and their habitats in Utah’s arid landscape. The DWR also plans to examine the impacts of highways and fencing, which can fragment habitats and create barriers to migration, contributing to population declines.

Additionally, the meetings will address social tolerance of deer on private lands, an important factor as growing populations may lead to increased interactions between deer and agricultural or residential properties.

Here Are The Meeting Locations In Our Region

In our area, the meetings will be held on August 14^th at the Hunter Conference Center on the campus of Southern Utah University in Cedar City, August 18^th at the Sevier County Administration Building in Richfield, and August 20^th at Ruby's Inn in Brcye Canyon City. All meetings start at 7:00pm.

“Increasing deer populations will require strong partnerships with Utah’s hunters, conservation groups, communities and more, and we are excited to work with people who want to help grow mule deer in our wonderful state,” Peck said. “We hope you’ll join us in this effort.”

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By engaging diverse stakeholders in the conversation, the DWR aims to create effective, science-based solutions to sustain and grow Utah’s mule deer populations for future generations.