Sportsman permit applications available beginning Nov. 6

By Sun Advocate

Applications for one of the most prized Utah big game hunting permits will be available beginning Nov. 6.
Only Utah residents may apply for sportsman permits. One sportsman permit is offered for each of the following species:
•Desert bighorn ram.
•Buck deer.
•Buck pronghorn.
•Bull elk.
•Bull moose.
•Hunter’s choice bison.
•Hunter’s choice Rocky Mountain goat.
The 2003 sportsman permit hunt runs Sept. 1 through Dec. 31, 2003. Hunters may hunt on any unit open for the respective species, except the Pilot Mountain unit for elk and the bighorn sheep.
“The long season dates and ability to hunt every open hunting unit in the state except two, make sportsman permits a highly prized item,” explained Judi Tutorow, wildlife licensing coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources.
Beginning Nov. 6, hunters who have a major credit card can apply for a sportsman permit online at the DWR’s Internet website www.wildlife.utah.gov.
Hunters who don’t have one of these credit cards must mail their application in. Sportsman permit applications will be available by Nov. 6 from 400 hunting and fishing license agents statewide and DWR offices in Ogden, Salt Lake City, Springville, Vernal, Price and Cedar City.
Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Nov. 20 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. 20 date as possible,” Tutorow advised.
She also reminds hunters that a $5 nonrefundable handling fee is required for each species a hunter applies for.
Results of the 2003 sportsman permit draw will be posted Dec. 10. Successful applicants also will be notified by letter.
Those with questions may call their nearest DWR office, or the division’s Salt Lake City office at 801-538-4700.