Utah’s Big Game Capture Reveals Insights Into Wildlife Health

Biologists with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources completed another season of winter big game captures, gathering critical data that helps guide wildlife management decisions across the state. During the 2025–26 winter capture efforts, 1,433 animals were safely captured, assessed, and released as part of ongoing research into herd health, survival, and migration patterns.

The annual captures typically occur between November and March, when animals have moved to lower elevations and cooler temperatures help reduce stress and improve recovery times. Using helicopter crews equipped with net guns, wildlife professionals briefly restrain animals to conduct health evaluations before releasing them back into their habitat.

Deer Was The Most Captured and Analyzed Species

Species involved in this year’s work included deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and bison. Mule deer made up the largest share, with more than 1,000 individuals captured, followed by elk and smaller numbers of other species. These efforts provide a snapshot of herd conditions statewide and help biologists track long-term trends.

During early winter captures, biologists measure body fat and overall nutritional condition and collect samples to test for disease. Late winter work in March focuses on how animals fared through the season, including re-evaluating body fat and checking pregnancy rates in doe deer. In some cases, transmitters are placed in pregnant deer to alert researchers when fawns are born, allowing for close monitoring of survival and early-life health.

“When we do capture work, we make a concerted effort to minimize chase times and to keep all capture-related stress to a minimum,” said DWR Big Game Projects Coordinator Kent Hersey in a press release. “It’s a short one-time event for those animals and doesn’t have the same impacts as repeated disturbances that cause them to use up important fat reserves. The information our biologists get from capturing big game animals provides very valuable data that is used to manage big game populations.”

Read More: Now Is The Time To Apply For Big Game Permits

This year’s findings indicate adult deer entered winter in average to below-average condition, likely due to hot, dry summer conditions. Fawn weights varied widely. Fortunately, a mild winter has supported deer survival so far, though biologists caution that poor spring precipitation could create nutritional challenges in the months ahead.

The data collected also plays a key role in the Utah Wildlife Migration Initiative, which uses GPS collar information to map migration routes and identify barriers to movement. These insights help guide habitat improvements, inform hunting permit recommendations, and support infrastructure planning such as wildlife crossings.

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Over time, the research continues to shape how Utah manages its big game populations, ensuring healthier herds and more sustainable ecosystems for the future.