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With the archery deer hunt kicking off this weekend, we thought it only appropriate to highlight Utah's most loved mammal, the mule deer. The mule deer has become a symbol of the West because the species spans the West from Mexico into Canada.
Biologists say two mild winters, followed by good summer rain, have helped the deer herds on most units in the state. Biologists say archery hunters should concentrate their efforts in mid to higher elevations and out West, hunters should concentrate near water.
Extensive work to improve habitat, more highway crossings that allow deer to cross roads safely, predator control and mild winters are among the reasons the mule deer population is slowly growing in the state. Those with tags this year should expect fewer hunters and a few more bucks. .
Biologists also believe that more fawns survived the past two winters. Meaning more young bucks are coming into the population. Most biologists believe this year's hunts will be better than last year's. For more information on mule deer or any other critter found in Utah, be sure to check our Utah Field Guide on our outdoors page at KSLTV.com
