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, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources personnel will host a free mule deer watch on Nov. 16 at the Nash Wash Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in southeastern Utah.
Because deer hunting is restricted in the Book Cliffs (just north of Nash Wash), 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 management area’s network of maintained roads.
Depending on the year, weather and food supply, as many as 100 deer can be seen in a relatively small area. “Please understand that we can’t guarantee you will see 100 deer,” says DWR regional conservation outreach manager Brent Stettler. “Vehicle traffic, predators and weather all affect their location.”
The trip is limited to 25 participants, and pre-registration is required. Slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
The group will meet at 1:30 p.m. at the top of exit 204 (the Cisco exit) on Interstate 70. The exit is about two hours from Price. Participants should bring binoculars, a spotting scope, camera, water, warm clothes and snacks.
To register or for more information, call Stettler at 613-3707.