Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Press Release
Thousands of hunters enjoy hunting big game animals in Utah and it is time to get ready for this fall. Event though the hunts are months away, it’s almost time to apply for a permit.
Applications to hunt big game animals in Utah will be accepted beginning Jan. 30.
Everything hunters need to know about applying for a permit is available in the 2014 Utah Big Game Application Guidebook. The free guidebook is available at Division of Wildlife Resources offices, www.wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks, and from more than 300 hunting and fishing license agents across Utah.
Applications will be accepted online beginning Jan. 30 at www.wildlife.utah.gov. and must be received through the website no later than 11 p.m. on March 6 to be entered in the draw for permits. Contact a DWR office before 5 p.m. March 6 with any questions or for help completing an application.
Starting Jan. 30, applications will be accepted for every hunt except the general season bull elk hunt. General season elk permits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, starting July 10.
Those who would like to hunt all three general deer hunting seasons which include archery, muzzleloader and rifle may do so by joining the dedicated hunter program.
To join the program, hunters must complete an online orientation course which takes about 30 minutes to run through. After the online course is complete, hunters may apply for and draw a 2014 general deer hunting permit.
To learn more about the program and how to join it, visit www.wildlife.utah.gov/dh.
Sportsmen who are not going to hunt in 2014 can still apply for a bonus point or preference point. Earning a point increases the chance of drawing a permit next time one is applied for. Only hunting license or combination license holders may apply for a bonus point or hunting permit.
Hunters may begin the point application process on Jan. 30 however, these applications must be received no later than March 20 at 11 p.m.
A general season deer hunting change that started in Utah in 2012 will continue this year. Instead of hunting deer in five large regions, hunters in 2014 will hunt on 30 smaller units. A list of these units is available on the DWR website.
Lifetime hunting license holders can select the general deer hunting unit they would like to hunt by completing the online lifetime license questionnaire and selecting the desired hunting unit.
Access to the questionnaire will be available in the 2014 big game application between Jan. 30 and March 6. If the application is not completed before the March deadline, DWR will not have a hunt choice on file.
All general season deer permits might be taken in the draw, so there may not be any permits available to obtain.
Results of the 2014 Utah big game draw will be available on or before May 30.
Call the Utah Hunt Application Office at (801) 221-0659 or visit the nearest DWR office for more information about applying for a big game permit.