Last week, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UWDR) released its proposed big game hunting permit numbers. Public feedback will be collected on these recommendations. Details are below.

Mule deer populations are doing well, resulting in an increase in the number of tags offered for the 2024 season. 

“Utah has 31 general-season deer hunting units that are managed for post-hunting season buck-to-doe ratios of 15–17 or 18–20 bucks per 100 does,” said UDWR Big Game Coordinator Dax Mangus. “The statewide average buck-to-doe ratio on public land, general-season deer hunting units was 21 bucks per 100 does after the 2023 hunting season. Good winter survival rates this year and high buck-to-doe ratios after last season puts us in a position where we can offer more buck deer hunting opportunities in 2024.”

For the 2024 season, UDWR is recommending a total of 71,525 general season deer permits, which is an increase of 6,800 permits compared to the prior year, according to the agency. Here’s how that will breakdown across the state:

“During our big game captures this last winter, we found that a majority of the deer throughout the state were healthy and in great condition with high body fat,” said Mangus. 

“Our animals with GPS collars are showing really high survival rates in both northern and southern Utah. We are anticipating excellent winter survival and are happy to see our deer populations starting to look better after being hit hard by the severe winter in 2022–23, especially in the northern parts of the state. 

“Deer populations in southern Utah are looking great with their third consecutive year of high fawn production and survival rates. Biologists look closely at each hunting unit and individual situation when they make permit recommendations. We use the best available data and our management plans to make proactive recommendations for the herd health of our wildlife.”

Elk are also faring well across Utah with numbers at an estimated 80,600, which is about 600 over objective, according to the agency. This will mean an increase in public draw limited entry bull elk permits and antlerless elk permits going into the 2024 season.

Check out the table below for the complete list of recommended permit numbers:

If you want to comment on any of the proposed recommendations, you can do so by attending any of the following meetings or commenting online by the deadlines listed below.