November is the perfect time for wildlife watchers and photographers to get close to mule deer without spooking them. Instead of worrying about humans, mule deer bucks spend their energy breeding or fighting other males.
To take advantage of this time of year, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will host a free Mule Deer Watch on Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Nash Wash Wildlife Management Area (WMA) east of Green River.
Because the Book Cliffs just north of Nash Wash are a limited-entry hunting unit, the WMA is one of the best places to see deer, especially bucks. Viewers can watch deer from their vehicles as they drive along the WMA’s network of maintained roads.
Dozens of deer can usually be seen in a relatively small area. But deer numbers will depend on the weather, food supply and other variables. “Unlike visiting a zoo, there’s no guarantee with wildlife,” said Morgan Jacobsen, regional conservation outreach manager for the DWR. “But your chances of getting a good look at deer during the rut at Nash Wash are very good.”
The Nov. 18 trip is limited to the first 25 people to register. To register, visit the Mule Deer Watch web page on Eventbrite at https://goo.gl/oxc7qV.
`Once you register, the meeting location and other details will be sent to you via email. The event will begin at 1:30 p.m. and end after sunset. The meeting location is about four hours from Salt Lake City, one hour from Moab and two hours from Price. Participants should bring binoculars or a spotting scope, a camera, water, warm clothes and snacks.
For more information, call Jacobsen at 435-613-3707 or send an email to morganjacobsen@utah.gov.
DWR host free Mule Deer Watch Nov. 18
Mule Deer