In the Northern Region, deer populations have increased. One exception is the Cache unit. The deer population on this unit is well below the management objective. The current population on the unit is stable to slightly increasing in number.

Because of the hot, dry conditions, the deer are more active in the morning and evening, when it's cooler.

More than 85 percent of the fawns born in spring 2006 made it through this past winter, and deer populations have increased in nearly all of region's units.

In the Central Region, archery hunters should notice a few more young bucks.

"Because of plentiful habitat and favorable weather conditions, 2006 was a good year for fawns in the region," said Craig Clyde, wildlife manager. "Hunters should see many young buck deer in the region this fall."

He added that about 45 percent of the deer biologists checked last year were 2 1/2 or older deer.

The western half of the region has fewer deer because of the drier desert conditions.

Hunters are also reminded that a large portion of Tooele and Juab counties are part of the Vernon limited entry deer hunting unit.

In the Southeastern Region, archery hunters will find more bucks this year, said Bill Bates, wildlife manager.

"Moderately good fawn production and winter survival over the past few years have strengthened herds across the region," Bates reported.

"Most units show both short and long-term upward trends in the total number of deer."

While the number of deer is up in the region, the total number of deer on all of its herd units is still below the management objective.

Wildlife habitat in southeastern Utah faces a long road to recovery after many years of drought. And that drought continues unabated in the region.

"If the weather returns to a normal pattern, the vegetation in the region will rebound, and the deer herds should continue to grow," he said.

Regarding the buck-to-doe ratio for each unit, Bates said the Range Creek unit is around 31 bucks per 100 does. Along the Central Mountains-Manti unit in Carbon and Emery counties, Bates said the deer population is gradually rising with a buck-to-doe ratio of 17 bucks per 100 does.

In the LaSal Mountains by Moab, the deer population is on the upswing with a buck-to-doe ratio of 15 bucks per 100 does. The Abajo Mountains in San Juan County support a growing herd with a buck-to-doe ratio of 22 bucks per 100 does.

While deer populations continue to increase, Bates warned against getting overconfident. Unless there's a dramatic change in the weather pattern, hunting conditions will be hot and dry.

And, in the Southern Region, good numbers of young bucks are expected. Archery hunters who visit the region may find those deer in one of two places.