Two changes await big game permits

[Sombeech]

http://wildlife.utah.gov/news/07-12/big_game.php

[quote][size=3][b]Applications accepted starting Jan. 2

Based on past years, as many as 230,000 people will consider applying for a permit to hunt big game in Utah next fall.

If you're one of them, please be aware of two changes:

You must have a hunting or combination license before you can apply for a permit.
Applications will be accepted only through the Division of Wildlife Resources' Web site.
Start applying on Jan. 2

You can apply for a 2008 permit at wildlife.utah.gov starting Jan. 2. 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.

Applying for a point

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 wildlife.utah.gov on Jan. 2. 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. The Division of Wildlife Resources will accept phone-in applications at (801) 538-4700 until 5 p.m. on Feb. 29.

Changes
License required

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 you as you decide which license to buy: the hunting license, which costs $26 for residents, or the combination license, which costs $30. "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."



Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Hunting and combination licenses are available at wildlife.utah.gov. You can also obtain one from DWR offices and more than 350 hunting license agents across Utah.

Paying less for a permit

Another change involves the cost for big game permits

[tapehoser]

For them to state that it costs "$20 less for an elk tag and $5 less for a deer tag" is a little deceiving.

The "license" they make you purchase, OUTSIDE of the tag itself, is now $26. For an additional $4, you get the "combo" license which is also a fishing license.

All told, to hunt elk in 2007, I paid $75. In 2006 I paid $65.

Looks like an increase.....smells like an increase.....but it's really a decrease.