Releasing rehabilitated bear cubs into the wild
What: In late spring and early summer, a handful of bear cubs were orphaned in areas across the state. DWR biologists took those cubs to a Utah State University rehabilitation facility in Millville, where they’ve spent the summer and fall gaining weight and preparing to hibernate. Two of the older bears were released earlier this fall, and the remaining five bears will be released the last week of November. (See footage of the first release at http://bit.ly/cub_release.)
.Seeding the Tank Hollow Fire burn area
What: This Saturday, DWR habitat biologists will work with the U.S. Forest Service and a helicopter crew to reseed more than 1,000 acres burned during the Tank Hollow Fire. The helicopter will aerially drop a seed mix that produces grasses, flowering plants and shrubs. As they grow, the plants will stabilize the soil and also provide food for wildlife.
mproving habitat for mule deer
What: Bullhogs are heavy machines that the DWR uses to improve habitat. The bullhogs tear out and shred pinion/juniper trees, leaving room for widespread sagebrush growth. Over the next few weeks, the DWR will use a bullhog near the town of Orangeville to mulch pinion/juniper trees. In a few years — long after the loud, messy machinery is gone — this area will offer prime habitat for mule deer and other species. R
Ride along on mule deer classification
What: Many hunts are over, and winter hasn’t quite arrived — that means it’s time to take a closer look at Utah’s mule deer populations. DWR biologists have been in the backcountry checking on the deer herds. Specifically, they’re looking at the numbers of bucks, does and fawns, and how those numbers compare to each other within the herds. They will use this data to assess whether the herds are meeting management objectives. R
See mule deer soar over the Tooele and Cache valleys
What: Although many Utahns focus on flying reindeer this time of year, they may actually see mule deer soaring over the state in the coming weeks! The DWR big game research season has just begun, and biologists are working with helicopter crews to capture dozens of deer in multiple locations. The helicopters will bring the animals back to different staging areas, where they will receive health checkups and GPS tracking collars. At that point, they will be released back into the wild. This project is part of a study to track adult female survival, population growth and herd movement.
See bison in the Book Cliffs
What: Almost nine years ago, the DWR moved bison from southern Utah’s Henry Mountains into the Book Cliffs. The transplant established a new herd of free-roaming bison in the state. Biologists have kept a close eye on the young herd over the years and plan to check on the animals in early December. R
Attend the Hardware Ranch Elk Festival
What: The Hardware Ranch Elk Festival is a fun tradition for many Utah families. They can see elk, go on sleigh rides and enjoy other fun activities in this unique wildlife management area. This year, the annual celebration is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 9.
