Deer populations in Utah have risen, largely due to good survival over winter

There are more deer in Utah. Not as many as once roamed the hills but more than were here a decade ago.

Hunters may not notice the difference. Then again, some hunters are certain to notice, if not more deer, more signs of passing deer.

Based on surveys conducted after last fall's rifle hunt, biologists estimate 296,000 deer were in Utah at the start of last winter. That's 7,000 more animals than the 289,000 deer estimated to be in the state after the 2004 fall hunt.

That does not include fawns born in the spring that are now, in the case of males, yearling bucks. Most of the deer harvested are, in fact, yearling bucks — small spikes and two-points.

"This year, hunters are likely to see an increase in the number of yearling bucks. Overall, we had good survival this past winter. The state has received good precipitation over the past two years. More moisture on the ground translates into more deer on the ground. The does are also in better shape, and that allows them to care for their fawns better, which helps more fawns make it through the winter," explained Craig McLaughlin, big game manager for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.

Most of the state's hunting units have ratios of 17 bucks per 100 does, which is the highest average since 2000. The statewide management plan calls for 15 bucks per 100 does.

Studies also show that fawn survival this past winter was high — 70 fawns per 100 does — which will translate into a higher number of yearlings or small one- and two-point bucks.

Success in the northern regions should be similar to last year, with the exception of northwestern Box Elder County.

"This is the best year we've had for 20 years in northwest Box Elder County," said Kirt Enright, big game biologist. "Last winter's post-hunt deer classification had the best buck-to-doe ratio we've seen since the early 1980s."

The overall populations are still lower than in the 1980s, "but things look pretty rosy for the first time since 1999," he said.

Scott McFarlane, wildlife biologist, reported that Morgan and South Rich units continue to have one of the best buck-to-doe ratios in the state.

Even with a slight decrease in the deer population, because of some winter loss last winter, ratios were about 45 bucks to every 100 does.