Division outlines regional field work and launches mule deer outreach workshops

Green River, Utah — Division staff gave a regional update to the Southeastern Region Advisory Council, summarizing fisheries and wildlife fieldwork, outreach events and a new series of mule deer workshops intended to gather public and partner input on strategies to increase mule deer populations.

Regional aquatic staff hired a new biologist, William Vic, to run aquatic invasive species (AIS) surveying across the Central and Southeastern regions following a vacancy. The Division reported recent work at the Mill Site in Emery County surveying bluehead sucker populations and multi-year efforts stocking native cutthroat trout on Los P___ (quoted as Los House) and South Creek.

Outreach events include two bat‑night public programs — one in Carbon County at 9‑Mile Canyon on Aug. 9 and another in Moab on Sept. 10 — that require RSVP and will feature biologists capturing bats with mist nets and presenting species to attendees. The Division also said its wildlife section has been conducting elk classifications, rabbit routes, dove banding, mountain goat surveys and bison surveys on the Henry Mountains this week, and that enforcement staff have supported wildfire security and are preparing for upcoming hunts.

On mule deer, Division Director Peck launched mule deer workshops in the region to solicit focused public feedback on how to grow mule deer populations, not to renegotiate annual hunt structures. The Division will hold a meal and workshop in Price and a second workshop in Monticello on Aug. 14; the Division invited public, nonprofit groups and land‑management partners to attend. “We want to talk about how we can grow them,” the presenter said, noting the Division seeks collaboration across landowners, nonprofits and agencies.

The update was informational and no formal RAC motions were taken on these items during the meeting.