Study to examine why Utah deer population is declining

Jul 5 2012 - 9:42am


Mule deer buck
Mule deer buck

SALT LAKE CITY -- Researchers say they are tracking does, their fawns and predators with hopes of understanding why Utah's mule deer population is declining.

The four-year study is a partnership of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, BYU and Utah State University.

Most of the $950,000 needed to fund the study comes from state auctions for big game tags.

Researchers hope to determine the extent that coyotes prey on the deer.

Researchers and biologists in March captured 65 pregnant does on their wintering ground in Piute County. Radio collars were placed on their necks. Transmitters also were implanted in the mothers-to-be before they were released.



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