It’s almost time to get into Utah’s backcountry and hunt buck deer. The general archery hunt starts Aug. 18.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Division of Wildlife Services want to remind big game hunters that the several years of ongoing drought conditions have impacted mule deer and elk populations across the state. Hunters going after deer in Utah this fall should remember drought impacts deer by decreasing body fat because there are fewer available food sources on the native landscapes.
Does with poor body fat and nutrition lead to smaller fawns, and those fawns have a decreased chance of surviving. Adult deer with too little body fat at the beginning of the season often will not survive the winter months. Recent deer research, conducted in Utah, shows the amount of fat deer have going into the winter has more of an impact on their survival than the conditions and severity of the winter itself.
The long-term drought-related impacts to Utah’s deer and elk populations are still lingering. However, monsoon rains last fall and again this summer have improved vegetative conditions, especially at higher elevations, and deer appear to be in good body condition.
“We still need a few more years with favorable weather patterns to help us fully recover from drought and increase deer numbers,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Big Game Coordinator Dax Mangus said. “Elk populations are more stable but could also benefit from increased precipitation and better forage on the landscape.”
There are currently an estimated 305,700 deer in the state. DWR has decreased hunting permit numbers for the last several years to better manage the buck-to-doe ratios outlined in the management plans.
Elk are also impacted by drought even though survival of adults typically remains high, pregnancy rates have declined during extreme drought conditions.
Utah elk populations are at or slightly below their population objectives.
The general-season buck deer archery hunt and the general spike and any-bull elk archery hunts are the first big game hunts of Utah’s fall season, and they began Saturday, Aug. 20. The general-season spike and any-bull elk hunts (with any legal weapon) run from Oct. 8-20, and the general-season buck deer hunt (with any legal weapon) runs from Oct. 22-30.
It is always recommended to get a refresher on things that can help you be successful during a Big Game hunt. DWR has some tips to help hunters be successful during the archery and rifle hunts.
It is a good idea to visit the Utah Hunt Planner before heading out into the field.
“Hunters that have scouted their hunting unit and spent time locating animals before the hunt begins are typically more successful at finding, pursuing and harvesting an animal during their hunt,” Mangus said. “Spend time scouting, and if you haven’t, consider planning multiple hunting trips during the hunting season. Treat your early hunting dates in the season as hunting and scouting, and try to cover lots of ground to locate animals.”
As a reminder, the Utah Wildlife Board voted earlier this year to prohibit the use of all trail cameras (including all non-handheld transmitting and non-transmitting devices) to aid in hunting of big game between July 31 and Dec. 31.
Practice with your equipment
They also recommend practicing regularly with your equipment firearm or bow so you are familiar with it and have the skills needed to hit your target.
Hunt away from the road
Make sure you are hunting in areas away from the road; get out of your vehicle and walk or hike to hunt.
Look for rugged terrain
When hunting deer, mature bucks and does are not together during the August archery hunts. If there are a lot of does in an area move to a different spot. Does have to care for their fawns, so they typically prefer areas where there is a lot of water and the terrain is more gentle, like in rolling aspen groves.
Pay attention to the direction of the wind
Another recommendation for archery hunters is to know the direction the wind is blowing and try to prevent scent from reaching the animals before you get within range.
Be prepared for the weather and possible emergencies
Hunters should have a first-aid kit and plenty of water with them. In Utah’s mountains the weather can change very quickly and go from sunny to snowing in a matter of minutes, so hunters should be prepared with adequate clothing and supplies.
Use binoculars and be stealthy
Having success during the archery hunt requires stealth and patience. For example, if you’re going to use a spot-and-stalk method, don’t just walk through the woods, hoping to find a deer without spooking it. Instead, spend time looking through binoculars at an area to find deer and locate where they’re bedding. Then, after they’ve bedded down, plan your stalk, remaining quiet and doing all you can to approach the deer at an angle that keeps your scent from reaching them.
Keep the meat cool
Do not hang a harvested deer or elk in a tree to try to cool the meat. Hot temperatures (especially during the archery hunts) can spoil it. Plus, hanging a deer or elk in a tree might draw bears and other predators into your campsite. They suggest cutting the animal up in the field and removing the meat from the bone and placing it in a cooler.
“Hunting should be fun, and you should enjoy it. It’s a great time to see Utah’s amazing wildlife and to make memories with your family and friends. Get outdoors this fall and have an adventure or two in our beautiful state.”