| Big game are important to Utah hunters such as this elk which was freed from entanglement with another male by DWR personnel. |
Based on past years, as many as 230,000 people will consider applying for a permit to hunt big game in Utah during the fall of 2008.
If you’re one of them, please be aware of two changes that are taking place in the permitting process.
First you must have a hunting or combination license before you can apply for a permit. And second applications will be accepted only through the Division of Wildlife Resources’ Web site. Potential hunters can start applying on Jan. 2, 2008.
You can apply for a 2008 permit at www.wildlife.utah.gov. Your application must be received through the Web site no later than 11 p.m. on Jan. 31 to be entered in the draw for permits.
If you’re not comfortable applying on the Internet, you can also apply over the phone. To apply over the phone, you must call (801)538-4700 no later than 5 p.m. on Jan. 31.
Results of the 2008 big game draw will be available by April 30.
If you don’t plan on hunting in 2008, you can still apply for a bonus point or a preference point.
You can start applying for these points at www.wildlife.utah.gov on Jan. 2. too. Your application must be received through the Web site no later than 11 p.m. on Feb. 29.
You can also apply for a point over the phone starting Jan. 2. DWR will accept phone-in applications at (801) 538-4700 until 5 p.m. on Feb. 29.
Starting with the 2008 hunts, you must have a current Utah hunting or combination license before you can apply for a big game hunting permit.
“This change is important to the future of the state’s wildlife,” says Jim Karpowitz, director of the DWR. “As costs continue to rise, the requirement that hunters buy a license will provide us the revenue we need to continue managing big game and other wildlife into the future.”
Karpowitz has some advice for hunters as they decide on which license to buy.
“I’d encourage you to buy the combination license,” he says. “It costs $4 more than a hunting license, but it also allows you to fish.”
The hunting license, costs $26 for residents, but the combination license costs only $30. Hunting and combination licenses are available at www.wildlife.utah.gov. You can also obtain one from DWR offices and more than 350 hunting license agents across Utah.
Another change involves the cost for big game permits. Some of them will cost less in 2008 than they did this year. For example, Utah residents will pay $20 less for a general elk permit ($45) and general deer permits cost $5 less ($35).
For more information, call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR’s Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.