This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The archery deer hunt, the first major hunt of the fall in Utah, opens Saturday and there is great optimism that it should be a good one.
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources biologists said the number of deer in the state is the highest since the 1980s.
Based on surveys conducted by DWR biologists, there are more than 384,00 mule deer in Utah.
There are 23 bucks to 100 does in that population.
Archery hunting success has been on the increase as well. In 2015, success increased to 22 percent.
Justin Shannon, big game coordinator for the DWR, expects this year's hunt success to be similar to 2015.
The DWR has created a website — http://www.dwrapps.utah.gov/huntboundary/hbstart — that helps hunters plan.
Once hunters arrive at the site, they can find notes from the biologist who manages the unit where they have a permit. The site contains general information about the unit, and safely and weather items, information about the number of bucks in the unit, compared to the number of does, is available.
There are also maps that show the unit's boundaries, which land is public and which is private, and the various types of deer habitat found on the unit.
"We want you to have a successful, enjoyable time," said Shannon. "The experience you have is important to us. We're hoping the information on the site will help you plan your most successful hunt yet."