New "Elk Control Permits" in UT

[gznokes]

What's your opinion about this. It's straight from the DWR website.

Elk-control permits available

During the 2011 season, the Division wants hunters to harvest as many antlerless elk as possible from six of Utah?s hunting units:

Chalk Creek
East Canyon
Henry Mountains
Nine Mile, Range Creek
San Juan, East of US-191
San Rafael, North
If you obtained a permit (including general season) to harvest a buck, bull or once-in-a-lifetime species on any of the above units (not including CWMUs), you have the option of purchasing an antlerless elk-control permit.

The elk-control permit allows you to harvest an antlerless elk in the same unit where you'll already be hunting an antlered big game animal. You may hunt the antlerless elk only during the season dates?and with the same weapon?listed on your buck, bull or once-in-a-lifetime permit.

To obtain an antlerless elk-control permit, please visit a license agent or any Division office beginning July 27, 2011.

http://wildlife.utah.gov/dwr/2011-a...ss-permit-for-the-2011-season.html#elkcontrol

 

[carbonnation]

I don't know about all of those units, but several of them are primarily private land where the division is constanly being harassed by land owner to pay for damage done by the elk. The Henry MTS. is the Holy Grail of deer hunting in Utah and they don't want to take any chances of anything messing that up. (sure they will do that themselves if given enough time.) Anyway not new, they have been working on eliminating the elk from a couple of those places for a few years now.

 

[Zeke]

Gznokes,
I don't know why they would want them hammered on the first two units, I have no first-hand knowledge of these two.

The last 4 units I do understand. They are not typical "elk" units and the habitat is being protected for the other valuable, fragile critters. These units are within the sheep units. Or within the bison, trophy deer units.
While I love the elk I can understand the DWR position.

As you know, elk are big, tough, belligerent animals that will and do chase the other animals away from available water and feed. I've seen them do this on the Dutton and White River areas on several occasions.

As to whether other hunters feel the same way, I have no idea.

Just 2 cents..... for free!

Zeke

 

[gznokes]

It's interesting.

My understanding is that the elk are over population objective in east canyon and chalk creek and that the DWR tries to issue a lot of antlerless permits every year but they always go undersubscribed because of all the private land.

It will be interesting to see what the actual boundaries are on those first two units. The other ones aren't typical elk units so I thought it was interesting that they are basically putting a bounty on them.

I just thought I'd throw it out here to see what others on the site say who actually hunt these areas.

 

[BrowningRage]

I agree about Chalk Creek and East Canyon. I spend a fair amount of time up Chalk Creek during the winter lookin at big deer. Last year is the first we've seen elk. The area is pretty much 100% private and we talk to guys hunting with elk depredation tags. I imagine it's a matter of landowners complaining. Up there- money rules.

The others it seems are managing for the deer. Good to know they still do that is a few limited areas in this state... maybe in 20 years I'll find out how good... lol


"Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!" 2 Ne. 28: 24

 

[woodruffhunter]

Yeah.... The Henry Mountains are just swarming with elk. What was the last count??? 10 elk on the entire range lol....

 

[antlerrick]

LAST EDITED ON May-25-11 AT 10:04AM (MST)[p]That is a true statement Woodruffhunter...
But last I heard the count was 14..lol..
In all my trips to the Henry's, I've only seen them once, and for a cow, they could stay where they were at as far as I was concerned...
They kill a couple of bulls each year down there..

 

[BIGJOHNT]

LAST EDITED ON May-25-11 AT 10:14AM (MST)[p]I don't think this is anything new ? Last year a friend drew the Henrys bison tag and he had the same choice to shot a cow elk if he wanted to.
There are so few elk out there . I dont think he went for the option. He never did see a elk.