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

In the Southeastern Region, hunters will find more bucks, 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.

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, he said the population is gradually rising with a buck-to-doe ratio of 17 bucks per 100 does.

In the LaSal Mountains by Moab, the 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.

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

"Due to hot, dry conditions in June, deer have congregated either near agricultural fields or above 8,000 feet elevation," said Jim Lamb, wildlife biologist.

"In higher elevations, look for deer near water sources or riparian areas. A good number of small bucks should be available to hunters."

Jason Nicholes, wildlife biologist, said he expects a good hunt on the Pine Valley unit.

"The buck-to-doe ratio on the unit is at 19 bucks per 100 does. There should be plenty of yearling bucks on the unit, and a decent number of older bucks should be available, too," he added.

On the Zion unit, the postseason post-season classification in 2006 showed a buck-to-doe ratio of 21 bucks per 100 does. This unit should also have a good and varied age class of bucks on it.

He said the outlook for the Southwest Desert unit isn't as bright. Deer populations are low. The buck-to-doe ratio for this unit is currently at 28 bucks per 100 does.

Those hunters taking off-highway vehicles are encourage to get area maps showing open and closed areas.

The hunt will run through Oct. 28, except in the Southern and Southeastern regions, where hunting will end on Oct. 24.