The current statewide mule deer management plan is set to expire in December.

Due to this, the Division of Wildlife Resources is proposing a new seven year statewide plan, along with some other amendments to the hunt drawing process.

The division is also going to be seeking the public’s feedback on the new plan and the amendments.

The new management plan would last from Dec. 2019 until Dec. 2026 if approved. Some of the main changes would include:

Allowing biologists to make recommendations each year to achieve the target objectives of deer population throughout the state, updating the specific unit plans to set realistic and attainable population objectives for each unit across Utah, evaluating areas for new extended archery hunt units, and continuing to manage general season hunting with a ration of 15-17 bucks per 100 does on 11 units and 18-20 bucks per 100 does on 18 units.

With this plan the hunting season would be similar to past years only adding one day in the late-season limited-entry muzzle-loader hunt.

As the demand for hunting opportunities grows in Utah the DWR would like public feedback on some amendments to the hunt drawing process. Some of those changes includes:

The waiting period for a limited-entry buck deer hunt will increase from two years to five years, hunters will forfeit their preference points for almost any over-the counter permit purchase, with a few exceptions, and many more.

You can currently see the presentation and give feedback on the DWR web-page. If you would like to attend an RAC meeting the dates and times are listed below.

Central region: Nov. 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the Springville DWR office at 1115 N. Main St., Springville

Northern region: Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Weber County Commission Chambers at 2380 Washington Blvd., Ogden

Southern region: Nov. 19 at 5 p.m. at Cedar City Middle School at 2215 W. Royal Hunte Drive, Cedar

Southeastern region: Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the John Wesley Powell Museum at 1765 E. Main St., Green River

Northeastern region: Nov. 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Uintah County Conference Center at 313 E. 200 South, Vernal

Wildlife Board meeting: Dec. 5 at 9 a.m. at the Utah Department of Natural Resources building at 1594 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City