Utah’s Dedicated Hunter program
February 7th, 2006 by Administrator
Utah Dedicated Hunters Get Guaranteed Tag
From the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Want a guarantee that you’ll be hunting deer in your favorite general season region in Utah this fall?
You can receive one by joining Utah’s Dedicated Hunter program.
“Hunters who join the program are guaranteed a permit for the region of their choice. After what happened in 2005, that’s a big incentive to join,” says Jill West, coordinator of volunteers for the Division of Wildlife Resources.
In 2005, all of the permits for the Central, Southeastern and Southern regions were taken in the big game draw, and Northeastern Region permits that weren’t taken in the draw sold out three hours after they went on sale over-the-counter.
“Based on what happened last year, we anticipate that permits for all four of those regions will go in the draw this year,” West said. “Dedicated hunters don’t have to worry about not getting a permit, though, because they’re guaranteed a permit for the region of their choice.”
In addition to receiving a guaranteed permit, those who join the program can hunt all three seasons in the region they obtain a permit for. They also get a chance to help Utah’s wildlife by working on wildlife conservation projects.
MUST JOIN BY FEB. 17
To join the three-year program, hunters must complete a Wildlife Conservation course and submit an application no later than Feb. 17.
After paying their program registration fees and completing some additional requirements, hunters will receive a deer hunting permit for the region of their choice and a chance to hunt all three general seasons in that region.
The Wildlife Conservation course can be taken online at the Dedicated Hunter Web site (wildlife.utah.gov/dh/). The online course takes about 45 minutes to complete.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
After completing the Wildlife Conservation course, hunters must pay their program fee ($195 for most residents and $1,032 for most nonresidents) by Feb. 17. The fee includes a participant’s deer hunting permits, for the region of their choice, during the three years they’re in the program.
More information about the program is available on page 26 of the 2006 Utah Big Game Proclamation and at wildlife.utah.gov/dh/ on the Web. Those with questions may also call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR’s Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.
“The program provides hunters extra deer hunting opportunities in the region they want to hunt and helps them give back to Utah’s wildlife by working on wildlife conservation projects,” West said. “Hunters who have been in the program have really enjoyed it.