SALT LAKE CITY — Saturday marks the return of the state’s archery hunting season for buck deer and bull elk, and it comes as state wildlife officials are observing strong population numbers.

According to Covy Jones, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources big game coordinator, the state has the highest deer population in 25 years. State wildlife biologists estimate there are more than 370,000 mule deer in Utah — about 100,000 more than in 2011.

“We have more bucks on the statewide landscape currently than we’ve ever had,” Jones said in a news release.

In addition, state officials estimate there are about 80,000 elk in Utah, which is slightly above the division’s population goal. Jones added that conditions have also created for bigger antler growth than usual.

“With the wet spring, habitat has flourished, providing the necessary nutrition for antler growth,” he said. “Hunters are set up to have a very memorable year.”

With the archery hunt launching Saturday, here are a few tips for a rewarding and safe hunting season:

Know about safety

Before you hunt, make sure you’re following safety guidelines. There are plenty of things to keep in mind.

First, check your equipment. Make sure the laminations on your bow aren’t separating and the strings aren’t fraying, and that everything works fine, DWR officials advise. They also suggest being careful and taking time when sharpening broadhead arrows so you don’t cut yourself.

Also, don’t leave your arrows uncovered. Because the broadhead arrows are sharp, they can be dangerous. Therefore, they should remain in a hunter’s quiver until it’s time to shoot. And when it comes to shooting, officials urge never to shoot beyond the range you’re comfortable with.

For those using a tree stand, Cobra Archery recommends making sure the stand and the tree can bear your weight first. And don't climb a tree with your equipment, they say, secure a haul line to bring the equipment up.

RaLynne Takeda, DWR hunter education program manager, also suggests that hunters think about the weight of equipment in a tree stand.

“Hunters sometimes forget to factor in the weight of their equipment,” she said in a prepared statement. “If the combined weight of your body and the equipment is greater than the weight the stand can support, it could easily collapse, sending you and your gear to the ground below.”

Know your boundaries

Wildlife officials advise hunters to scout where they’re going before they hunt to ensure they are hunting in appropriate areas and to know the terrain of where they’re hunting. This is a good time to figure out the laws too.

If you’re close to private land, make sure you get approval from the landowner to hunt in case you venture into their land. If you’re venturing into a popular public land space, make sure you’re well beyond the minimum distances from roads and dwellings. In addition, officials say know each county’s hunting laws before you hunt because laws vary by county.

The state runs a website that shows where and when hunts are legal and provides other helpful information.

Know where the elk and deer go

Not only are there laws as to how far from a road you can shoot, but elk don’t like roads, Jones said.

“Elk avoid roads; so especially when you are hunting elk, get off the road,” he said. “Get out and do some hiking and scout to see where these animals are before the hunt begins.”

As for deer, Jones said does are typically with their fawns at this time in the year and not around bucks. As a rule of thumb, he said: If you see a bunch of does, you’re probably going to need to find another spot.

So where are they? Does and fawns tend to be in gentle terrain with water and groves, Jones said. Bucks, on the other hand, are traditionally in small herds in more rugged mountain terrain.

“If you are looking for a bigger buck, look for terrain that is harder to access,” he added.

Know the direction of the wind

A key component to hunting is knowing the wind direction, so you can tell what way your scent is going in relation to the animal you’re tracking. Wind or breeze checkers are inexpensive items, wildlife officials say. Once you know that, they say to approach the animal from the side of where the wind is blowing instead of facing into the wind.

“If you approach with the wind in your face, and then the wind shifts and starts blowing from your back, it’ll blow your scent directly to the deer,” state wildlife officials wrote. “Approaching from the side lessens the chance that a wind shift will carry your scent to the deer.”

More information about Utah's archery season can be found at https:wildlife.utah.gov/extendedarchery.

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