Hunters as young as 12 can hunt big game in Utah this fall

It’s hard to believe, but the start of Utah’s general archery buck deer hunt is less than two months away.

As the season approaches, the Division of Wildlife Resources has good news for youngsters who would like to hunt buck deer, or any wildlife species in Utah this fall: the minimum age to hunt big game has been lowered to 12 years of age. And hunters of any age can hunt small game.

One requirement hasn’t changed, though: young hunters must pass the DWR’s Hunter Education course before they can hunt. A list of Hunter Education classes is available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/huntereducation
or by calling the nearest DWR office.

After completing the Hunter Education course, hunters will receive a free hunting license. The hunting license allows the holder to hunt small game and also allows them to buy a big game hunting permit.

“We’re excited about this change. It will give young people a chance to connect with nature by getting outdoors and hunting with their parents at an earlier age,” says Lenny Rees, hunter education coordinator for the DWR.

For more information, call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR’s Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.

Some big changes await big game hunters in Utah

Deer and Elk Permits:
Should You Buy One Before July 1 or Wait?

Deer and elk permits go on sale June 14; fees change July 1

Starting July 1, you may have to pay more — or less — to hunt deer and elk in Utah.

Utah general season elk hunting permits for this fall’s hunts, and buck deer permits not taken in this year’s big game draw, go on sale at 8 a.m. on June 14.

Advice

§ If you have a 365-day small game or combination license that’s
valid after July 1, you’ll save money by waiting until after July 1 to buy your deer or elk permit.

§ If you don’t have a small game or combination license that’s
valid after July 1, you’ll save money by buying your deer or elk permit before July 1.

Why?

Starting July 1, hunters who don’t have a valid 365-day small game or combination license must buy a hunting (small game) license or a combination license before they can buy a hunting permit.

If you buy your deer or elk permit before July 1, this requirement won’t pertain to you.

On the other hand, if you have a small game or combination license that’s valid after July 1, you should wait to buy your permit. The cost for a general deer and elk permit will be reduced on July 1, and you’ll save money by waiting.

Based on the number of permits that are still available, Division of Wildlife Resources officials do not believe all of the permits will sell out before July 1. (About 23,000 general bull elk, 12,000 Northern Region general buck deer and 8,300 statewide general archery buck deer will go on sale June 14.)

Note: Lifetime license holders are exempt from having to buy a hunting or combination license because their license is valid through their lifetime.


Starting July 1, the following Utah hunting fees will be reduced:


Before July 1 After July 1

Resident deer permit $40 $35

Resident elk permit $65 $45
(anterless/any bull/spike)

Resident combination license $34 $30
(allows the holder to hunt and fish)

Nonresident combination Not available $80
(allows the holder to hunt and fish)


Starting July 1, the following fees will increase:

Before July 1 After July 1

Resident small game (hunting license) $17 $26

Nonresident small game (hunting license) $45 $65


For more information, contact the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR’s Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.

Buy Buck Deer Permits Starting June 14

Two pronghorn permits available two days earlier

If you haven’t obtained a permit to hunt buck deer in Utah this fall, your next chance to get one begins June 14. That’s when permits not taken in this year’s big game draw go on sale.

Most of Utah’s buck deer permits were taken in the draw, but more than 12,000 Northern Region rifle and muzzleloader, and 8,300 statewide general archery permits, are still available.

Permits to hunt bull elk on general season any bull elk and spike bull elk units also go on sale June 14.

June 12

In addition to the deer and elk permits, two pronghorn antelope permits will be available on June 12, two days before the deer and elk permits go on sale.

Both of the pronghorn permits are archery permits. One of the permits is for the Box Elder, Promontory unit in northwestern Utah. The other permit is for the Pine Valley unit in southwestern Utah.

Permits - Where to Buy Them

The deer, elk and pronghorn permits will be available at the DWR’s Web site (www.wildlife.utah.gov) and from DWR offices and more than 350 hunting license agents across the state.

Time When You Can Buy a Permit Varies

The time when you can buy a permit on June 12 and on June 14 varies.

Beginning at 8 a.m., you can buy a permit at the DWR’s Web site or a DWR office.

License agents cannot sell permits earlier than 8 a.m. on June 12 or on June 14, but some of them may not be open for business until later in the morning.

“If you plan on buying a permit from a license agent, I’d encourage you to contact the agent in advance to learn when they’ll open for business on the day you’ll be visiting them,” says Judi Tutorow, wildlife licensing coordinator for the DWR.

A list of agents who sell Utah hunting licenses is available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/licenses.

Save Time - Visit the Web Site or a License Agent

Tutorow says when permits have gone on sale in the past, long lines have formed at some of the DWR offices. To save time, she encourages hunters to visit the DWR’s Web site or a hunting license agent.

“You need a major credit card to buy a permit at the Web site, but if you have one, the Web site is a great option,” she says. “Hunting license agents are also a good choice. In addition to weekdays, most of them are open on weekends and evenings, and they may be closer to your home than a DWR office.”

For more information, call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR’s Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.

Fine imposed for illegal antler possession

PRICE — On March 27, a Hyrum, Utah man pled guilty to the unlawful possession of antlers and was fined $217. The set of antlers with skull attached came from a trophy mule deer buck, which measured 199 Boone and Crocket points. The antler set was forfeited as a result of the court action.

Under Utah law, a person may only possess shed antlers, except those antlers obtained from lawfully harvested animals. Shed antlers are those that have dropped naturally from a big game animal as part of its annual life cycle. These antlers have a rounded base commonly known as an antler button or burr.

In this case, the antlers were picked up in Colorado. "It's a good idea to know not only Utah law but that of surrounding states as well," stated Lt. Carl Gramlich, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. "People just can't pick up anything they see."

This case was successfully prosecuted because of a tip from a concerned citizen. If you see something that appears to be illegal, please call the Help Stop Poaching hotline at: 1-800-662-DEER. Wildlife is our heritage to protect and enjoy. Let's all do our part to protect it from those who fail to abide by the law.

Hunters must apply online

More antlerless deer, elk and moose permits available

SALT LAKE CITY — If you want to apply for an antlerless deer, elk, pronghorn or moose permit for hunts in Utah this fall, you'll have to use a computer.

For the first time ever, the Division of Wildlife Resources will not accept paper applications for antlerless permits.

You'll also have more permits to apply for. At their April 26 meeting in Salt Lake City, members of the Utah Wildlife Board raised the number of doe deer, cow elk and cow moose permits that will be available for hunts this fall.

12- and 13-year-olds

This year will also be the first year that 12- and 13-year-olds can apply for an antlerless deer, elk or pronghorn permit (cow moose permits are considered limited entry permits, and 12- and 13-year-olds may not apply for them).

Hunters who are 11 years old, but who will turn 12 by Dec. 31, 2007, can also apply for an antlerless permit. They may not hunt until the day they turn 12, however.

Application period

Hunters can start applying for antlerless permits at 8 a.m. on May 23.

Applications must be received through the DWR's Web site (wildlife.utah.gov) no later than 11 p.m. on June 19.

Change will benefit hunters

Judi Tutorow, wildlife licensing coordinator for the DWR, says applying online provides hunters with several benefits.

"Receiving applications only through the Internet will allow us to process the applications faster," she said. "And that means we can let hunters know sooner if they drew a permit."

Hunters will know by June 29 whether they drew a permit. That's only 10 days after the end of the application period and almost a month earlier than last year.

Receiving applications online will also allow the DWR to get permits into the hands of hunters before the hunts start.

Some of the antlerless hunts begin on Aug. 1. In the past, the time it took to process paper applications meant the DWR couldn't post the results until the end of July. Because of the late posting date, the agency couldn't offer permits that weren't taken in the draw until the first week in August. By then, some of the hunts had already started.

"This change will allow us to start selling permits on July 26, before any of the hunts begin," Tutorow said.

Applying online also helps hunters two additional ways: it's almost impossible to make a mistake on the online application, and hunters won't have to wait for a refund because a $5 nonrefundable handling fee is the only fee they'll have to pay when they apply.

The DWR received more than 28,500 antlerless applications last year. Of those, about 2,900 were paper applications. "Every year, fewer and fewer hunters are applying with a paper application," Tutorow said.

If you have questions about applying online, please visit the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office. Computers are available at each office, and the staff at each office can help you through the process.

You can also receive assistance by calling the DWR's Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.

Antlerless permits

The number of antlerless permits available in 2006, and the number the board approved for 2007, are as follows:
2006 2007
Doe deer 1,080 1,705
Cow elk 4,999 7,881
Cow moose 63 89
Doe pronghorn 587 347

Anis Aoude, big game coordinator for the DWR, said good weather and intense habitat improvement projects over the past few years are starting to pay off for Utah's big game herds. "The state's big game animals are doing well," he said.

"Over the past few years, much of the state has enjoyed mild winters and wet springs and summers. These conditions really help animals."

Aoude said during a mild winter, fewer animals die. And a wet spring provides good vegetation for does and cows.

"Good vegetation in the spring helps does and cows produce more milk for their young. That helps them raise strong and healthy fawns and calves," Aoude said. "Good summer rains also provide plenty of vegetation for the fawns and calves, which helps them grow quicker before fall and winter arrive."

For more information, call the nearest DWR office or the DWR's Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.

More Hunters Will Be Hunting Big Game in Utah This Fall

Salt Lake City -- More hunters will have a chance to take a big bull elk or a big bison in Utah this fall.

At their April 5 meeting, members of the Utah Wildlife Board raised the number of hunting permits for most of Utah’s big game animals.
Permits for elk and bison were increased the most.

It won’t be long before hunters learn whether they drew a permit in this year’s Utah Big Game Draw. Draw results will be available by April 27.

More Elk Permits

Some record-sized bull elk have been taken in Utah over the past few years, but there are still plenty of big bulls in Utah for hunters to take.

Biologists manage each of Utah’s limited entry bull elk units so the average age of the bulls taken by hunters falls within a certain age category.

The age of the bulls that hunters took on 26 of Utah’s 28 units during the 2006 season was higher than the age objective for those units. That means the animals were older than the objective called for on those units.

The age of the bulls taken on two units was at the objective for those units. None of Utah’s limited entry units were under the age objective.

“This means more hunters can be allowed in the field and plenty of big bulls will still be left for hunters to take in years to come,”
said Craig McLaughlin, Wildlife Section chief for the DWR.

With that in mind, board members approved 2,169 limited entry bull elk permits for this fall’s hunts. A total of 79 of those permits are management bull elk permits. These permits allow hunters to take bull elk that have five or less antler points on at least one side.

Management permits are being offered for the first time to reduce the number of smaller bull elk on four of Utah’s best limited entry units.
All of these units have extremely high bull to cow ratios.

More Bison Permits

Board members also approved more hunter’s choice and cow bison permits for the Henry Mountains in southeastern Utah. Bison permits for the Henry Mountains jumped from 23 in 2006 to 75 this year.

“In 2005, our biologists flew two aerial surveys of the Henry Mountains,” McLaughlin said. “They didn’t see many bison during either survey.”

Even though bison are big animals, McLaughlin says they tend to gather in small groups and are effective at hiding under pinyon/juniper trees.

“Bison are strong animals, and we were pretty sure that the herd had not experienced a big die-off,” he said. “We guessed that the bison had probably moved into thicker cover where it was harder for us to spot them.”

DWR biologists decided to be cautious, however, and hunting permits were cut in 2006.

“Our biologists flew another survey this past August, and this time they spotted the bison,” McLaughlin said. “They saw lots of bison.

“We’ve confirmed that the herd is doing really well. That’s why we recommended that the board raise the number of bison permits available for the Henry Mountains this fall.”

Buck Deer Permits Will Stay at 95,000

General season buck deer permits were one group of permits that board members decided not to increase. The total number of Utah general season buck deer permits will stay at 95,000 in 2007.

In 2005, general season buck deer permits in the Central and Northeastern regions were cut by 1,000 permits each. The permits were cut because the three-year buck to doe ratio in each region had fallen below the minimum of 15 bucks per 100 does called for in Utah’s Deer Management Plan. As a result, the total number of Utah general season buck deer permits was reduced from 97,000 (the level where permits had been since 1994) to 95,000 permits.

Surveys conducted by DWR biologists after the 2005 and 2006 hunts found that the three-year buck-to-doe average in the Northeastern Region had increased to 15 bucks per 100 does. That number meets the objective called for in the state’s deer management plan.

In the Central Region, the three-year average had fallen slightly to 13 bucks per 100 does.

Based on the findings, the DWR recommended returning 1,000 permits to the Northeastern Region.

Citizens representing the Northeastern Regional Advisory Council (RAC) voted against the DWR recommendation, however. They expressed concerns that allowing 1,000 additional hunters in the region could cause the buck to doe ratio to fall back under 15 bucks per 100 does.

Board members agreed with the RAC and voted not to return the 1,000 permits to the region.

Permits for 2007

Permit numbers for 2006, and the number of permits the board approved for 2007, are listed below:

2006 2007

General season buck deer 95,000
95,000

Limited entry
deer 999 1,014

Limited entry bull elk 1,835 2,169

Pronghorn
antelope 855 833

Moose 138 151

Bison 29 81

* (these bison totals include permits for the Henry Mountains and Antelope Island)

Rocky Mountain goat 79 90

Desert bighorn sheep 36 39

Rocky Mountain bighorn
sheep 15 18


A list showing the total permits for each unit in the state will be available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/hunting/2007permits by April 9.

More Big Game Permits Recommended for 2007

Utah*s hunters might have more elk, pronghorn and bison permits to draw for this year.

The Division of Wildlife Resources is recommending raising permit numbers for all of Utah*s big game animals. Permits for elk, pronghorn and bison would increase the most.

The DWR is also recommending adding an additional 1,000 general season buck deer permits to the Northeastern Region.

You can learn more about the recommendations and share your suggestions at a series of upcoming meetings. Citizens representing Utah*s public Regional Advisory Councils will take the input received to the Utah Wildlife Board when it meets April 5 in Salt Lake City to approve big game hunting permits for this fall*s hunts.

Meeting dates, times and locations are as follows:

Southern Region
March 13
7 p.m.
Beaver High School
195 E. Center St.
Beaver

Southeastern Region
March 14
6:30 p.m.
John Wesley Powell Museum
885 E. Main St.
Green River

Northeastern Region
March 15
6:30 p.m.
Western Park, Rm. #2
302 E. 200 S.
Vernal

Central Region
March 20
6:30 p.m.
Springville Junior High School
165 S. 700 E.
Springville

Northern Region
March 21
6 p.m.
Brigham City Community Center
24 N. 300 W.
Brigham City

More Elk Permits

Some record-sized bull elk have been taken in Utah over the past few years, but there are still plenty of big bulls out there for hunters to take.

Biologists manage each of Utah*s limited entry bull elk units so the average age of the bulls taken by hunters falls within a certain age category.

The bulls that hunters took on 24 of Utah*s 28 units was higher than the age objective for those units. That means the animals were older than what the objective for those units calls for.

The age of the bulls taken on four units was at the objective for those units. None of Utah*s limited entry units was under the age objective.

*This means we can allow more hunters in the field and still leave plenty of big bulls for hunters to take in years to come,* says Craig McLaughlin, Wildlife Section chief for the DWR.

With that in mind, the DWR is recommending 2,190 limited entry bull elk permits for this fall*s hunts. A total of 79 of those permits would be management bull elk permits. These permits allow hunters to take bull elk that have five or less antler points on at least one side.

Management permits are being offered for the first time to reduce the number of smaller bull elk on four of Utah*s best limited entry units.
All of these units have extremely high bull to cow ratios.

More Pronghorn Permits

Pronghorn antelope permits would also increase under DWR recommendations.

The agency is recommending 1,067 pronghorn permits for this fall*s hunts. A total of 855 were available in 2006.

Most of the permits would be issued for the Parker Mountains in southwestern Utah.

*The objective for the Parker Mountains is to maintain 40 bucks per 100 does,* McLaughlin says. *Right now, the unit has 78 bucks per 100 does. Hunters who draw a permit for the Parker Mountains should see plenty of bucks, and they should have a great hunt.*

More Bison Permits

Hunter*s choice and cow bison permits for the Henry Mountains in southeastern Utah would also increase under DWR proposals.

Under the proposals, permits would jump from 18 in 2006 to either 47 or
71 permits in 2007.

The final bison permit numbers will be determined later this spring, when the Henry Mountains Bison Working Group finishes revising a management plan for the bison on the Henry*s.

*In 2005, our biologists flew two aerial surveys of the Henry
Mountains,* McLaughlin says. *They didn*t see many bison during either survey.*

Even though bison are big animals, McLaughlin says they tend to gather in small groups and are effective at hiding under pinyon/juniper trees.

*Bison are strong animals, and we were pretty sure that the herd had not experienced a big die-off,* he says. *We guessed that the bison had probably moved into thicker cover where it was harder for us to spot
them.*

DWR biologists decided to be cautious, however, and hunting permits were cut in 2006.

*Our biologists flew another survey this past August, and this time they spotted the bison,* McLaughlin says. *They saw lots of bison.

*We*ve confirmed that the herd is doing really well, and that*s why we*re recommending more bison permits for this fall*s hunts.*

More Deer Permits

Under DWR recommendations, the number of general season buck deer permits would begin moving back to the 97,000 permit cap that began in Utah in 1994.

In 2005, general season buck deer permits in the Central and Northeastern regions were cut by 1,000 permits each. The permits were cut because the three-year buck-to-doe ratio in each region had fallen below the minimum of 15 bucks per 100 does called for in Utah*s Deer Management Plan.

As a result, the statewide permit cap was reduced from 97,000 permits to 95,000 permits.

Surveys conducted by DWR biologists after the 2005 and 2006 hunts found that the three-year buck-to-doe average in the Northeastern Region had increased to 15 bucks per 100 does. That number meets the objective called for in the state*s deer management plan.

In the Central Region, the three-year average has fallen slightly to 13 bucks per 100 does.

*Based on the findings, we*re recommending that 1,000 permits be added to the Northeastern Region for this fall*s hunt,* McLaughlin says. *Adding 1,000 permits would increase the total number of general season buck deer permits in Utah to 96,000.*

Permit Recommendations

Permit numbers for 2006, and the number of permits the DWR is recommending for 2007, are listed below:

2006 2007

General season buck deer 95,000 96,000

Limited entry deer 999 1,019

Limited entry bull elk 1,835 2,190

Pronghorn antelope 855 1,067

Moose 138 152

Bison 24 53 or 77

* (these bison totals include permits for the Henry Mountains and Antelope Island)

Rocky Mountain goat 79 91

Desert bighorn sheep 36 41

Rocky Mountain bighorn
sheep 15 18

Charts showing the total permits for each unit will be available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/public_meetings before the RAC meetings.

Once you*re on the site, go to the Meeting Agenda portion to find the permit numbers.

Shed Antler Collectors: Obey the Law and Have Fun

With spring just around the corner, it*s an exciting time for those who enjoy gathering the antlers and horns shed by big game animals each year.

As you*re having fun searching for antlers and horns this spring, please remember that there are regulations you must follow regarding their possession.

Also, remember to give the big game animals you encounter plenty of space, and don*t take off-highway vehicles off of designated roads and trails.

Taking OHVs off of roads and trails can cause serious damage to the habitat that big game animals and other wildlife and fish rely on.

Shed Antler Gathering Season in Northern Utah

New this year in Utah, there is a shed antler gathering season. This season applies to Northern Utah only.

You may not gather shed antlers in the DWR*s Northern Region from Feb. 1 through April 30. This closure was put in place to prevent big game animals from being harassed during the time of year when they*re in their poorest health because of the stress of a long winter.

In addition to the closure in the Northern Region, the Utah Wildlife Board has directed the Division of Wildlife Resources to study the effects antler gathering is having on big game animals across Utah.
Board members want to learn if a shed antler gathering season should be implemented statewide.

Possession of Antlers and Horns

According to Utah law, a person may possess antlers or horns from legally taken animals, as well as *shed* antlers and horns.

A shed antler or horn is one that has dropped from a big game animal (a moose, elk, deer or pronghorn antelope) as part of its life cycle.

Shed antlers have a rounded base, commonly called a button or burr.
The horns shed by pronghorn antelope are a hollow sheath. (Pronghorn are the only big game animals that shed their horns.)

A deer sheds its antlers during February and March. Elk shed later than deer and at higher elevations.

Shed antlers and horns may be possessed at any time. There are no restrictions on their barter, trade or sale.

In contrast, antlers or horns that are attached to a skull plate must have been taken legally or purchased from someone who took the animal legally.

The person who buys antlers or horns attached to a skull plate must keep a transaction record. The record must include the name and address of the hunter the antlers or horns were purchased from, the hunter*s permit number and the date of purchase or sale.

Antlers, horns and heads of legally taken animals may be purchased or sold only between Feb. 15 and July 31 annually.

Give Big Game Animals Plenty of Space

After a long winter, the energy reserves that big game animals have are already low. Those reserves are taxed even more when antler gatherers enter the picture.

Careless shed antler and horn hunters can tip the delicate energy balance, and that can contribute to more big game animals dying this time of the year.

The worst threat to big game animals usually comes from irresponsible OHV use. Off-road travel is illegal and should not be practiced at any time, especially when gathering antlers.

The DWR has received reports of OHV riders chasing deer and elk through trees to knock off their antlers. This practice is extremely damaging
and illegal. Anyone caught harassing wildlife will be prosecuted to
the fullest extent of the law.

When you*re collecting shed antlers and horns, please pay attention to the body language of the animals you see. If they appear to be nervous or begin to move away, give them more space by backing off or traveling in another direction.

Have Fun

Shed gathering can be a great family outing. Please remember the following as you gather shed antlers and horns this year:

- Avoid picking up antlers that are attached to a skull plate.
Instead, mark the area and contact your local DWR conservation officer.

- Respect the space and needs of wintering big game. Give them lots of room.

- Don*t take OHVs off of designated roads and trails. In addition to causing animals to flee, taking OHVs off-road can cause serious damage to the animals* habitat.

- Good luck and have fun!

UT - Big Game Applications Due by Feb. 16

Time is running out to get your application in for a Utah big game hunting permit, especially if you're applying through the mail.

To be entered in the 2007 Utah big game draw, mail-in applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Feb. 16. Applications submitted through the Division of Wildlife Resources' Web site (www.wildlife.utah.gov) must be received no later than 11 p.m. on Feb. 16.

With time running out, the Internet or an overnight mail service might be the best way to make sure your application meets the deadline.

Hunters are reminded that applications postmarked before or on Feb. 16, but that aren't received by 5 p.m. that day, will not be entered in the draw. Applications are not accepted in-person.

Apply on the Internet

If you have a major credit card that's valid through at least May 2006, you can get your application in within a matter of minutes. Just log onto the DWR's Web site (www.wildlife.utah.gov). Once you're on the site, you can apply for a permit by clicking on the 'Apply online for available hunt drawings' choice under the 'Purchase a license or permit' heading on the right side of the home page.

Mail Your Application Early

If you don't apply on the Internet, please remember that it will take a few days for your application to arrive through the mail at the Utah Wildlife Administrative Services office. Because of this, an overnight mail delivery service is probably the best way to help ensure your application is received by the 5 p.m., Feb. 16 due date, says Judi Tutorow, wildlife licensing coordinator for the DWR.

In addition to arriving on time, applications must be completed correctly. Tutorow encourages you to take your time when completing your application. Please call the nearest DWR office, or the Utah Wildlife Administrative Services office at 1-800-221-0659, if you have questions or need assistance.

The Utah Wildlife Administrative Services office is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. DWR offices are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.

Hunt Numbers

Hunters listing the wrong hunt number is a mistake Tutorow sees every year.

"The number for your favorite hunt may have changed from last year," she says. "Before entering your hunt number, double check and make sure the number you're listing on your application is the correct number for the hunt you want to apply for."

Hunt numbers are listed on pages 34 - 45 of the 2007 Utah Big Game Proclamation.

Bighorns Moved From Montana to Little Hole

Dutch John -- Forty-two bighorn sheep were released at two sites along the Little Hole Road below Flaming Gorge Reservoir on Jan. 26.

The bighorns, nine rams and 33 ewes, were captured from two herds near Missoula, Montana. These bighorns from the Bonner and Rock Creek herds will supplement a herd that was reintroduced near Little Hole two years ago.

"Our original plan was to capture bighorns from a native herd at Willow Creek, just south of the Sun River near Augusta, Montana, on the east side of the Rocky Mountains," says Charlie Greenwood, a wildlife biologist with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR). "After high winds delayed the helicopter capture for two days, the Montana biologists shifted us to the west side of the Rockies, to herds outside of Missoula."

In addition to avoiding high winds, being transferred to the west side of the Rockies provided the UDWR biologists with some benefits they weren't expecting.

"When we got there and talked with the [Montana] biologists, they were happy to give us a few more sheep than originally requested as they were beginning, or expecting trouble, with managing the herds due to their proximity to local communities," Greenwood says. "Taking ewes and a few young rams from their herds, to supplement or start other herds [in Utah], was an excellent solution to a potential urban/wildlife conflict.

"The only concern with taking more sheep was how to pay for them, but a few phone calls later we had the go ahead. The Foundation for North American Wild Sheep in Utah not only paid for the original numbers, it also agreed to cover the costs for the increase. We were able to bring back 42, instead of 25."

Under a contract with Pathfinder, a helicopter capture team, 27 bighorns were captured using a special net gun. The sheep were captured from the slopes above Bonner, Montana, just seven miles east of Missoula.

After their capture, the bighorns were given a physical examination, and veterinarians from the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department took numerous samples and swabs. After their physical, the bighorns were marked with individually numbered ear tags. Some also received radio collars before being placed in a special trailer.

The 27 bighorns captured from Bonner spent the night in the trailer until 15 more sheep from the Rock Creek area were added the following day. The biologists then drove non-stop to Utah and released the bighorns the following morning.

All of the sheep released at the two Little Hole sites emerged from the trailer in good shape. Greenwood and the other biologists believe the new bighorns have excellent genetics.

"Both the Bonner and Rock Creek herds were introduced from bighorns taken from native herds in the Sun River area in the late 1980s," Greenwood says. "I'm impressed with their size, health and potential horn growth. It looks like they have excellent genetics. The ewes all look big and healthy, and even though the rams we acquired were young, none older than 2½, they already have horns reaching back to a half curl."

The Flaming Gorge/Green River area has been a selected reintroduction site for more than 30 years. Biologists from the UDWR, the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management have been enhancing the range in the area in preparation for a release.

The range enhancement was given a big boost in 2001 when the Dutch John fire cleared away large expanses of pinyon-juniper. Following the fire, the UDWR and USFS were able to reseed many of the disturbed areas in preparation for the bighorn sheep reintroduction in Little Hole.

"Everything came together," Greenwood said. "From having good range conditions to getting extra bighorns. It should really give this herd a boost."

For those interested in seeing bighorn sheep in northeastern Utah, Greenwood recommends the Sheep Creek Canyon area along the Geologic Loop and SR-44, the Red Canyon Visitor Center area, and now along the Little Hole Road.

Visitors with a boat can also look for sheep along the shores of Flaming Gorge Reservoir. As the Little Hole herd continues to grow, it's also likely that people will see bighorns more often along the cliffs above the Green River.

For more information about viewing bighorn sheep in northeastern Utah, call the UDWR's Northeastern Region office at (435) 781-9453.

New Shed Antler Rules Take Effect Feb. 1 in Northern Utah

Beginning Feb. 1, the collection of antlers shed by deer, elk and moose is prohibited in Northern Utah. Antler collection on both public and private lands is closed from February through April.

A growing interest in gathering antlers shed in the winter by deer, elk, and moose has led to increasing numbers of "shed hunters" spending time on ranges that big game animals use in the winter.

The very presence of people on these areas in the winter can have unintended consequences on big game animals. For example, the animals have to use their energy to avoid people. In some cases, antler hunters have intentionally chased animals to try and make their antlers fall off.

Irresponsible use of off-highway vehicles in these areas can also damage habitat that is critical to big game animals. The melting snows in late winter and early spring make the soils moist. Taking OHVs into these areas can cause increased erosion and can damage important plants.

Mule Deer Fawns

Winter is usually the most treacherous time of the year for mule deer fawns. Cold temperatures, deep snow and limited food can lead to the deaths of many fawns. Unnecessary disturbance by people just adds to the problem. Disturbance by people causes deer to flee and use their precious energy reserves. The deer need these energy reserves to make it through the winter.

Even under the best winter conditions, some fawns will die. That's why it's so important not to disturb deer during this critical time of year.

Shed Antler Restrictions in Northern Utah

A committee comprised of sportsmen, people from the agricultural community, and state and federal wildlife officials have determined that helping more fawns survive the winter is one of the first steps to increasing deer populations in Northern Utah. Based on the group's recommendations, all five of Utah's Regional Advisory Councils and the Utah Wildlife Board voted to restrict the collection of shed antlers in Northern Utah this year.

Collection Allowed After May 1

The collection of shed antlers is allowed from May 1, 2007 through Jan. 31, 2008.

When the season opens on May 1, please remember that you must obey all state and federal off-road vehicle rules. You must also respect the rights of private property owners.

Also remember that it's illegal to pick up antlers or horns that are still attached to the skull plate of a dead animal.

For more information about Utah's shed antler gathering regulations, call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR's Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.

UT - 2006 Drawing Odds Help Hunters Applying This Year

The odds of drawing a Utah big game permit in 2006 are now available in a Division of Wildlife Resources report.

"Drawing odds usually don't change drastically from year to year, so I think hunters who are applying for a Utah big game permit for 2007 will be very interested in seeing the report," says Judi Tutorow, wildlife licensing coordinator for the DWR. "And the best part is, it doesn't cost anything to view it."

Hunters who have access to the Internet can view and download the 2006 Big Game Odds Report for free by visiting the DWR's Web site at www.wildlife.utah.gov.

The publication is available by visiting the Hunting section of the home page and clicking on Big Game. After arriving at the Big Game section, scroll down to Big Game Statistics and click on 2006 bucks, bulls and once-in-a-lifetime bonus point & draw statistics. That selection will take you to the 2006 Big Game Odds Report.

The report also can be viewed at DWR offices in Ogden, Salt Lake City, Springville, Vernal, Price and Cedar City. If you'd like to purchase a copy of the report, they're available at each office for $17.34, plus sales tax.

Hunters are reminded that applications for 2007 Utah big game hunting permits must be received no later than Feb. 17 to be included in the draw for permits. Mail-in applications must be received no later than 5 p.m., and applications submitted through the DWR's Web site must be received no later than 11 p.m. that day.

For more information, call the Utah Wildlife Administrative Services office at 1-800-221-0659, the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR's Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.

You may also want to consider purchasing The Odds Book 2006-07 Edition for Utah. This comprehensive book helps take the confusion out of the mass of information and will help increase the odds of actually drawing a Utah Big Game tag. The book may be purchased at www.TrailMasterOutdoors.com