"Because the deer will be scattered, hunters need to hone their skills so they can make the most of the opportunities they get," he said.

"The lower elevation and transition habitats have been affected by the hot, dry summer. In these areas, you'll likely see deer concentrated in places that have food and water," said Justin Dolling, wildlife manager.

Wood encourages hunters to pay close attention to the large tracts of private land in the Northern Region.

Central Region

Initial observations by DWR biologists in the region indicate decent numbers of bucks.

The number of younger bucks that died this past winter won't be known for sure until data is collected from the rifle deer hunt check stations and through hunter surveys, but biologists anticipate a good hunt.

"Mountain vegetation is very green, lush and abundant this year along the eastern half of the region," said Scott Root, conservation outreach manager. "Despite the extra heat over the last while, there are many places in the mountains that look more like it's June than late July. If archers are patient and concentrate on well-used game trails or water sources, they should have an excellent chance at seeing deer."

If hunters don't take a deer in August or September, Root encourages them to hold onto their tag.

"The region has several extended archery hunt units that you can hunt through much of December," he said. "These units provide great archery hunting opportunities."

Archery elk tags are unlimited in number.

Northeastern Region

Heavy moisture this past winter and spring brought an end to dry conditions in northeastern Utah. But the moisture also reduced the number of deer on the South Slope of the Uinta Mountains near Vernal.

"About 10 to 15 percent of the fawns that were born in that area in spring 2007 died this past winter," said Ron Stewart, conservation outreach manager.

"Overall, though, deer herds in northeastern Utah are in good shape," Stewart said. "Depending on where you hunt, you can expect to see fair to good numbers of young bucks. And those young bucks will be mixed in with a good number of older bucks."

In addition to improving the habitat, the moisture in the region this year is providing deer with a lot of water sources. Deer are expected to be scattered during the archery hunt.

Barring a tough winter this year, Stewart said the moisture received during the past few months should increase the number of deer being seen.