Wildlife Division adjusts management buck hunt strategy for improved deer population control

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is making significant strides in managing the state's deer population through its updated management buck hunt strategy, which was discussed during the recent Northeastern Region meeting on April 17, 2025. The new approach aims to adjust buck permits annually, a shift from previous practices, to better achieve the desired buck-to-doe ratio of 40 to 45 bucks per hundred does.

This year, 20% of the permits will be designated for management buck hunts, a decision that officials believe will help maintain the quality of the deer population while allowing for sustainable hunting. Biologists report that the management hunts are yielding positive results, with hunters successfully harvesting mature bucks, primarily those aged three years or older.

The DWR has also extended the season for management buck hunts, allowing for a longer hunting period. This change is intended to reduce crowding in the field and ensure a more equitable distribution of permits across different weapon types, including archery, muzzleloader, and rifle.

The Mule Deer Foundation expressed its support for the DWR's recommendations, highlighting the collaborative effort to enhance deer management in Utah. As the DWR continues to monitor the outcomes of this year's changes, stakeholders remain optimistic about the future of deer hunting and conservation in the region.