"The moisture has really improved the deer habitat," Stewart said. "Our biologists saw good numbers of fawns this spring. Several of the does even had twins."

Southeastern Region

Deer were lost in some parts of southeastern Utah after the severe winter.

Most of the deer that died were fawns, so hunters will probably see fewer young bucks in the region this fall.

"The losses were most pronounced in the northern part of the region. We expect the harvest to be down a little this year from last year because there will be fewer yearling bucks," said Bill Bates, region supervisor. "Fawn survival was better on the LaSal and Abajo mountains. We expect deer harvest in those areas to be about the same as last year."

Overall, though, Bates said hunting should be good regionwide.

"Buck-to-doe ratios are at all-time highs," he said. "Hunter success has been excellent during the past few years, and it should not drop much this year. Even though some fawns were lost, the number of older bucks that made it through the winter was about average this year."

Bates said hunters who get out and scout should be able to find the deer.

"With the dry summer, it will be important to hunt near water," he said. "Get to know the area you plan to hunt. Identify springs, seeps and creeks. Familiarize yourself with game trails, bedding areas and escape routes."

Bates reminded hunters that the presence of hunters, the phase of the moon and a change in the weather are all factors that can cause the behavior of deer to change.

Southern Region

Archery hunters can expect a fair hunt.

"The deer are holding at high altitudes, and I expect they'll stay there into the fall," said Lynn Chamberlain, conservation outreach manager.

"Recent rains have encouraged growth in the forage plants, so the deer are in good condition," Chamberlain said. "Biologists are reporting good winter survival, which translates into a good crop of young bucks.

"We're also noticing a few mature bucks in most areas."

Chamberlain said hunters should be prepared to hunt hard.

"The deer have plenty of water," he said, "so they probably won't be concentrated at watering holes."