372,500 deer.
The 2018 postseason population estimate for mule deer in Utah was 372,500 deer; 82% of the long-term management objective of 453,100 deer. Since the large decline during winter 1992–1993, the statewide deer population has shown an increasing trend (Figure 3).
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How many mule deer are left?
The whitetail population fell from about 33.5 million in 2000 to 28.6 million in 2014, recovering to about 29.5 million in 2017. The mule, blacktail, and other deer populations fell from about 4.6 million in 2000 to about 3.6 million in 2014, recovering to about 4 million in 2017. Less than 4 million in 2020.
Where do mule deer live in Utah?
They also seek shelter among evergreen trees and shrubs, including Utah juniper, pinyon pine, mountain mahogany and tall sagebrush plants. Areas with large amounts of this vegetation shelter deer from the wind.
What is the population of deer in Utah?
roughly 320,000 deer
The current deer population in Utah is roughly 320,000 deer, which is the lowest total number of deer in the state in several years (although not as low as 2010 or the early 2000s).
What state has the best rack of mule deer?
Colorado: Colorado is king no matter how you slice the data. It puts out the most and biggest record mule deer bucks of any state in the country.
Can mule deer and whitetail breed?
Whitetail bucks will breed with mule deer does, and the offspring usually retain the whitetail characteristics. Reverse mating — mule deer bucks to whitetail does — is rarer. So where the two species share a common range, the whitetail tends to dominate.
How many babies do mule deer have?
two fawns
they can weigh between 130-280 pounds. The female deer are smaller than the male. The annual cycle of antler growth is regulated by changes in the length of the day. Mule deer females usually give birth to two fawns, although if it is their first time having a baby they often only have one fawn.
How many elk are in Utah?
Elk are well established throughout Utah with the current statewide population estimated at approximately 81,000 animals (Figure 3).
Where are the most deer in Utah?
The Deep Creek mountain range holds the largest concentration of deer. In Unit 19C (West Desert, Tintic), there are not many deer, but there are some big, mature bucks to be found. One of the best mountain ranges to hunt on in the unit is the Lake Mountain range west of Utah Lake.
What is mule deer favorite food?
Grasses and grain crops are choice foods for mule deer. The green forage of bluegrass, cheatgrass, needlegrass and other grasses, oats, rye, and wheat are attractive wherever available in late fall, winter, and early spring.
How many deer killed Utah?
Of the 29 total deer hunting units across the state, 17 have decreased permit numbers from the previous year.
The approved big game permit numbers for 2021.
| Hunt | 2020 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Limited-entry deer | 1,182 | 1,070 |
| Antlerless deer | 1,175 | 935 |
| General any bull elk | 15,000 | 17,500 |
Are mule deer bigger than whitetail?
While it’s hard to determine size and weight in the field, in Colorado, mule deer tend to be a bit bigger and weigh in a little heavier than white-tailed deer.The mule deer stands three to three and a half feet tall at the shoulder, with bucks weighing 125-250 pounds.
How big is a mule deer?
55 – 150 kgAdult43 – 90 kgAdult
Where do the biggest mule deer live?
Colorado
With the largest population of mule deer anywhere at over 400,000 animals, Colorado has to be considered a top destination for big mule deer, simply based on numbers.
Where are the biggest mule deer in the world?
B&C World’s Record – Typical Mule Deer
- SCORE: 226 4/8.
- LOCATION: Dolores County, Colorado.
- HUNTER: Doug Burris, Jr.
- OWNER: Cabela’s, Inc.
- DATE: 1972.
What is the best general season deer unit in Utah?
Utah General Deer Hunting
| UTAH – ALL GENERAL SEASON DEER UNITS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Unit | Buck:100 Doe Objective | Average Harvest Success for All Weapons 2016 |
| Cache | 15-17 | 31% |
| Central Mtns, Manti/San Rafael | 15-17 | 33% |
| Central Mtns, Nebo | 15-17 | 39% |
What tastes better whitetail or mule deer?
I don’t discern much difference in taste between the two and feel a good mule deer is every bit as good eating as a whitetail. The only thing I have noticed is that in the rut, mule deer bucks seem to be gamier smelling than a whitetail buck and the meat can be stronger tasting when they are rutting hard.
How far can mule deer see?
Deer Have a Wide Field of View
Biologists say the whitetail possesses a peripheral vision range somewhere between 250 to 270 degrees, which helps a buck scan the woods and pick up predator movement at or just below the horizon.
What states do mule deer live in?
Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are a common deer species of the western United States. They are typically found west of the Missouri River in the Great Plains, into the Rocky Mountains, and along the Pacific Coast as far north as the coastal islands of Alaska and as far south as southern Baja California.
Do mule deer need water?
They do need fresh water, but on many occasions they can go a couple of days without hitting the water hole. This is even true in the more arid regions of Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Texas and New Mexico. Deer in these regions have cacti, which have water on the inside.
Where do mule deer go during the day?
In the middle of a day, the mule deer will rest in a cool, secluded area. Males prefer to bed down on rocky ridges, while females and fawns prefer open areas.
