This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

I've never been a big fan of artificially feeding wildlife, though the necessity of doing so at places such as Hardware Ranch or the National Elk Refuge in Wyoming likely prevent thousands of dollars of damage to farmers crops and keep herd numbers high.

Cruel as it may sound, cold winters and deep snow are one of nature's ways of keeping herds in check and in balance.

There are concerns that feeding concentrates animals, making them more susceptible to disease. Until a new specially designed pellet for mule deer feed was designed, there was also evidence that feeding them hay or alfalfa did more harm than good.

Finally, feeding deer is expensive.

Yet, feeding wildlife in the winter is also a feel good kind of story that, at times, can be successful.

That's why the Division of Wildlife Resources has joined hunting groups to begin feeding deer near Bear Lake in Garden City, where biologists say that more than 30 inches of snow and bitter, cold temperatures, are threatening the survival of many deer.

The agency began feeding deer last week, the first time the program has been used since 2008.

"Although weather has been severe across parts of Utah this winter," said DWR director Greg Sheehan, "the Bear Lake area is the only location where emergency deer feeding needs to happen right now. We're prepared to feed deer in other locations, though, if the need arises.

"These deer are exhausted, confused and without options. They need help."

Sheehan thanked Garden City construction company owner Travis Hobbs for allowing the agency to store 12 tons of pellets in his warehouse. The company has also donated time and heavy equipment to clear snow out of areas so pellets can be spread."

The feeding at Garden City meets the DWR's policy guidelines.