Heidi Heckethorn, Uintah Basin Chapter Chair with Utah Lessons Learned

“In 2017 I drew a general season archery buck tag to hunt the Utah desert. I was told that I would be lucky to see a buck while Utah desert hunting, let alone get a shot. Well, that lit a fire in me, and I actually made it happen.

“After that first archery harvest, I was enamored with the challenge of hunting the desert muley. I drew another general archery in 2018, which was unsuccessful, and then I found the Utah DWR Dedicated Hunter program. Multiple seasons were spent in the desert during 2019-2020 trying to harvest another desert buck, but I was unable to make the connection. During 2021 I drew a LE buck tag and had to abandon the desert. My last year of the dedicated hunter program was 2022 and I was out there again.

“After archery and muzzleloader, I was finally able to connect with my second desert muley buck during the rifle season. I have learned a lot during those years like trust your instinct, have patience, and keep at it. These desert bucks will always hold a special place for me.”

Thanks for sharing your hunting story Heidi! MDF members and volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization, coordinating with our regional staff to get the work done that helps us help mule deer and black-tailed deer. We love to hear your stories, and would love to share them! Please feel free to send us an email with your Member Success photos and stories to Art@muledeer.org for a chance to be featured here, on social media, or in the magazine!