Wildlife Board recommends permit increase for Beaver units amid drought concerns

The recent DWR RAC meeting for the Northern Region, held on April 9, 2025, highlighted significant changes in deer hunting permit recommendations, reflecting both population dynamics and ongoing drought conditions in Utah. The meeting focused on the Beaver unit, where the proposed permits for Beaver East and Beaver West have seen a notable increase compared to last year.

The recommendation for Beaver East stands at 1,900 permits, while Beaver West is set at 900, marking a total of 2,800 permits for the combined Beaver unit. This represents an increase of approximately 1,000 permits from the previous year, indicating a recovery in deer populations following recent drought years. While this increase is substantial, officials noted that it is not unprecedented in the unit's history.

Drought conditions remain a pressing concern, particularly in the southwestern corner of the state, where areas like the Southwest Desert and Zion units are experiencing extreme drought. The drought map indicates that much of Utah is facing varying degrees of dryness, with some regions showing mild drought conditions. Despite these challenges, there are positive signs in other areas, such as the Monroe unit, which is reporting record fawn survival rates.

The meeting also addressed the buck-to-doe ratio, which has improved from 18-20 to 15-17, suggesting a rebound in deer health and population stability. This upward trend in both overall deer numbers and the buck-to-doe ratio supports the rationale behind the increased permit recommendations.

Additionally, discussions revealed inconsistencies in permit allocations across different units, particularly in northern Utah, where some areas are issuing a higher percentage of permits relative to their total deer populations compared to the state average. This discrepancy raises questions about management strategies moving forward.

In conclusion, the DWR RAC meeting underscored the complexities of wildlife management in the face of environmental challenges. The proposed permit increases reflect a cautious optimism about deer populations while highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and adaptive management strategies in response to changing ecological conditions. Stakeholders will be keenly observing how these recommendations play out in the coming hunting season and the broader implications for wildlife conservation in Utah.