HUNTSVILLE — Deer in four Utah counties started getting some relief this week, albeit limited to isolated groups and not likely to be of much benefit to fawns.

Biologists from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources have been closely monitoring Utah herds in light of record snowfall and below-normal temperatures.

Late Friday, the DWR set into motion its emergency deer feeding program in parts of Cache, Weber, Morgan and Summit counties.

"The storm on Friday was too much, based on what was already on the ground," said Phil Douglass, outreach coordinator for the DWR. "At that point we had the materials and were prepared to move. These are critical times for deer."

The division began calling on its volunteers, and before the weekend was over, feeding stations in those counties were open.

Over the weekend, said Mike Laughter, president of the Utah Mule Deer Foundation, his group of volunteers moved more than nine tons of feeding pellets and corn to select feeding locations.

"What we looked for were approved sites where deer spend the winter, sites where they were presently holding," he said.

"The public is generally concerned about three or four deer in their neighborhoods. We went after the masses. We're trying to save the majority of deer that are in areas where the snow levels will not allow them to utilize what food sources are available. We focused on what are historic wintering areas."

Upward of 200 deer were seen at some of the northern sites this week.

Feeding deer is sometimes not a solution but more of a threat to deer, which is why the DWR addresses the program cautiously.

Deer have a very complex digestive system, and a change in diet requires a period of adjustment. During this adjustment period, deer have been known to starve to death with their stomachs full of food. And while it takes time to adjust to a new diet, it also takes time to switch from that diet back to natural foods.

Feeding needs to begin before deer are in critical condition in order to allow for the time it takes to adjust. It all has to be carefully planned.

"Even our feeding routine is planned," said Douglass. "We feed in the afternoon and evening and usually select feeding areas near trees and vegetation, so after they eat they can take advantage of what little warmth comes from the vegetation to help them through the night.

"During the day they can go up and take advantage of whatever natural browse is available. That's what I saw the deer doing."

Luckily, Utah deer had plenty to eat over the summer and went into winter in excellent condition, which means the adults can usually survive 30 to 60 days of severe weather.