Sportsman permits applications available Nov. 5

By Sun Advocate

Applications for some of next year’s most prized Utah big game hunting permit, the 2004 Sportsman permits, will be available by Nov. 5.
Only Utah residents may apply for Sportsman permits. One permit is offered for each of the following species: Desert bighorn ram, buck deer, buck pronghorn, bull elk, bull moose, hunter’s choice bison and hunter’s choice Rocky Mountain goat.
The 2004 Sportsman Permit hunt runs Sept. 1 through Dec. 31, 2004. Hunters may hunt on any unit open for the respective species, except Antelope Island for bison, the Pilot Mountain unit for elk and the Pine Valley, Virgin River unit for desert bighorn sheep.
“The long season dates and ability to hunt every open hunting unit in the state except three make Sportsman permits a highly prized item,” said Judi Tutorow, wildlife licensing coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources.Beginning Nov. 5, hunters who have a major credit card can apply for a Sportsman Permit online at the DWR’s Internet Web site (wildlife.utah.gov). Hunters who don’t have a major credit card must mail their application in.
Sportsman Permit applications will be available by Nov. 5 from 393 hunting and fishing license agents statewide and Division of Wildlife Resources offices in Price, Ogden, Salt Lake City, Springville, Vernal and Cedar City.
Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Nov. 19 to be entered in the draw for permits.
“Those who don’t apply on the Internet are reminded that it will take a few days for their application to arrive through the mail and to mail it as far in advance of the Nov. 19 date as possible,” Tutorow stated.
She also reminds hunters that a $5 nonrefundable handling fee is required for each species a hunter applies for.
Results of the 2004 Sportsman Permit Draw will be posted by Dec. 10. Successful applicants also will be notified by letter.
For more information, contact the Price Division of Wildlife Resources office.