In recent years, Utah has regained some of its former mule deer glory. Many record-class specimens have been taken, especially in limited-entry areas where hunting pressure is controlled to allow bucks to grow old. Many private ranches also have improved under a Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit program that limits tags but allows hunting when mature bucks are vulnerable in early September and early November.

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Highlights

Boone and Crockett entries: Typical

** Units listed below may not have a current hunt for this species. Units in this table are included if any part of the unit is found within the county.

Boone and Crockett entries: Nontypical

** Units listed below may not have a current hunt for this species. Units in this table are included if any part of the unit is found within the county.

Dedicated Hunter Program

The Dedicated Hunter program is designed to give hunters a unique opportunity to hunt all three general deer seasons (archery, muzzleloader, and rifle). If drawn, you will be enrolled in the program for three years. You may obtain a permit and hunt all three years, but you can only harvest two bucks in a three year period. You can only hunt the unit you drew. In exchange for having a guaranteed permit and the opportunity to hunt all three seasons, a hunter must complete 32 service hours on UDWR approved conservation projects. Residents may buy out 24 of their 32 hours at a rate of $20 per hour. Nonresidents may buy out all 32 of their service hours at the same rate.

When you apply to join the Dedicated Hunter program, you'll be charged a nonrefundable $10 application fee. If you are successful in the drawing, you will be charged one of the following fees:

* The program fee includes your certificate of registration and your annual deer permit fees for all three years. It also includes a $5 fee for the Predator Control Program.

Because you can hunt all three hunts, being in the Dedicated Hunter program gives you the ability to find a great buck and really focus on harvesting him. Some great bucks are taken every year by dedicated hunters on general season units. You will have to decide if the cost in time and money is worth it. You may apply for the Dedicated Hunter program and a general season deer tag, if you are drawn into the Dedicated Hunter program, then your general season deer application will be removed from the system.