The challenges of managing mule deer on the Kamas unit are not much different from those of most other northern Utah locations. Development, highway mortality, depredation issues and increased recreational use on critical winter ranges have all taken their toll on mule deer populations throughout the Intermountain West.

Scofield Reservoir is one of the most popular and heavily used fisheries in Utah. Recently, however, the reservoir has experienced some challenges that have reduced the number of anglers who fish there. The biggest challenge was the discovery of Utah chubs in the reservoir in 2005.

Last year, I worked to restore an abandoned pipeline system. This system provided water to two separate drainages. Accompanied by local ranchers and dedicated hunters, we repaired approximately 15 miles of pipeline and restored water to areas that hadn’t seen moisture for years.

The DWR has been working to identify a pure population of Colorado River cutthroat trout and to develop a broodstock that can be used to repopulate areas in southeastern Utah. Those obstacles have finally been overcome, and we are ready to begin restoration efforts.

My adventure began about a year ago, in March 2010. I’d heard tales from previous years, and I knew the season for bear denning was upon us. For a small-town girl from Mississippi, this was a chance of a lifetime!

I have learned some interesting things during the process of collaring and monitoring deer in northern Utah. The first and most significant thing is that in recent years, deer numbers have generally risen. I have also found that when the deer died — if it wasn’t because of the winter weather — it was often because they were hit by a vehicle.

A polite young man in his 20s opened the trailer door. We asked to speak with the person who had taken the deer. He answered that we sure could. “Grandma,” he called out, “some game wardens want to see your permit.”

Dozens of samples have been taken from Electric Lake and Red Fleet since the initial finding of invasive mussel larvae in 2008. All of the samples from both reservoirs have been negative for both the microscopic examination and follow-up DNA testing.

Have you ever wondered why there are fewer deer than years ago? Do you have good ideas on how to reverse this trend in order to increase the herds? Southeastern regional personnel are very concerned with recovering deer herds and want your help.

PacifiCorp has teamed up with the BLM Moab office and Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to assist in the preservation of the ferruginous hawk, a state-sensitive species.

Scofield Reservoir is a premier fishing and recreation destination, and the primary source of culinary water for much of Carbon County. Since its earliest days however, the reservoir has experienced pollution from too much phosphorus.

Just after Christmas, a large storm hit most of Utah. The storm came from the south. When storms come follow that flow, generally, southeastern Utah gets hit pretty hard. This storm was no exception.