How science-based hunting protects Utah's wildlife

As deer hunting season comes to a close, the Utah Division of Wildlife Services is optimistic about the future of hunting — and its impact on the environment in Utah.

Since 2019, Utah's struggling deer populations have led to this government restrictions about the number of hunting permits issued. This year, however The state announced an increase in permits For the first time in six years.

“When populations decline due to factors such as a severe winter or prolonged drought, we adjust permit numbers to account for those impacts,” said Dax Mangus, big game coordinator for the Utah Division of Wildlife. “As populations grow and the number of excess males in the population increases, we will recommend increasing the number of hunting permits.”

While deer populations are largely regulated by natural predators, many wildlife species in Utah rely on hunting to keep them in check, Mangus said. This means that overpopulated habitats and overeaten plants are efficiently and specifically relieved.

“It is a win-win situation in many ways, as hunters are happy to pay for the opportunity to hunt big game with family and friends to harvest organic meat, while helping to maintain populations on the landscape at healthy levels to keep,” Mangus said.

When done properly, hunting is a positive practice with little environmental damage, Mangus said. Science-based practices such as GPS systems and data analysis help wildlife managers create management and conservation plans.

The Division of Wildlife Services also trains hunters on the proper treatment and disposal of animal remains to prevent the spread of disease.

In September of this year, the department launched the Hunters Helping Condors program to incentivize and train hunters across the state.

“Over the years, many of these extremely rare birds accidentally became sick and died from lead poisoning. Lead poisoning is actually its cause leading cause of death”, says the program website.

To encourage hunters to limit lead use, the Division of Wildlife Services has partnered with International Cartridge Corporation, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's to provide coupons for lead-free bullets, according to the website.

While the Division of Wildlife Services promotes positive change, it also responds to harmful practices, Mangus said. These efforts include apprehending and prosecuting poachers, enforcing wildlife laws, and educating the public.

Additional measures such as B. Excise taxes on firearms by the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and hunting-based conservation fundraisers across the state support wildlife research and conservation projects, Mangus said. Several programs are designed for individuals.

“Hunters pay for wildlife disease control efforts, wildlife trapping and transplantation projects, and donate more money directly to habitat improvement projects than other natural resource user groups,” Mangus said.

Mangus believes these projects are an attempt not only to protect the environment, but also the future of hunting itself.

“For many hunters, sustainably managing wildlife is their top priority so they can enjoy it for the rest of their lives and pass that joy on to their offspring,” Mangus said. “Recruiting and retaining younger hunters is something hunters regularly focus on and work toward.”

Deer season ends in November and overlaps with several other hunting activities, including elk and bobcat hunts. Mangus – and the Division of Wildlife Services as a whole – hope that hunters will be sensitive advocates for the public and participate in ongoing educational efforts both within and outside the hunting community.

“We want to pass on our wildlife heritage to future generations,” the Division of Wildlife Services website says, “and we want it to be in better condition than when it was passed down to us.”