Small game permit changes in Utah??

[South_slope]

This may have been posted already so I apologize if it has. I was just wondering what everyone?s predictions was for having to purchase a small game permit to apply for the hunts this year?

I think the non-residents are going to drop like flies who have 4 points or less. Residents may drop in the same category but I think the impact will be minimal.

I'll still apply in Utah and plan on hunting Colorado for branch antlered bulls for the next 20 years.

 

[dleonard3]

I had to purchase a combo license to apply for the sportsman's permits. I figured having to buy the license would eliminate most, if not all, of the other applicants. But I guess I was wrong. I'm sure it won't have any effect on lowering the number of applicants in the LE draws either.

 

[legacy]

I'm guessing it will weed out an insignificant amount of applicants....unfortunately! I'm looking forward to seeing the draw odds next year on the units i'm applying for to see if there is any noticable differance.
__________________________
"Life's tough, it's even tougher if you're stupid." - John Wayne

 

[PleaseDear]

I buy the Combo license every x-mas for the next years fishing and bird hunting so I don't think it will affect residents at all.

Seeing as it is a 365 day license now....no big deal.

Robb

 

[nochawk]

Utah was one of the last states to require a license purchase, I think that Wyo and NM is the only one's now that doesnt require it yet...so I figured it was coming.

I think that most should be glad that it is not a $150 like the other states... AZ, NV, ID.. CO is $75 as is OR, WA.

 

[cantkillathing]

you are going to see an increase in applicants, take in consideration that 12 yr olds can now apply as well. More money and more applicants, and I bet they still cry poverty come next year.

 

[nochawk]

I think it will elliminate those people who put there grandmaw and grandpaw, wife, husbands, ect that don't hunt but get used in group apps and when they draw turn there tags in to get there points back, so they can do it again next year...

Also if they (the DWR) would cross-reference the names in the draws against those who are not allowed firearms (felons), jail/prison convicts, or like some other states reference it to those who owe back child-support, get them out of the draws would help the odds, as well as do like wyoming and a few other states do if you do not apply for 2 years in a row you lose your points..

 

[cantkillathing]

If they do that then they will loose out on half the apps. there is a lot of felons in utah that apply and hunt, according to the news a few years back there was about 5,000 felons that were applying or hunting in utah, but did Utah change anything, nope, still have felons hunting and applying.

 

[proutdoors]

The new license requirement was NOT implemented to improve draw odds, that is a side benefit. The purpose was to get those who apply for LE/OIL tags investing in wildlife, less than 40% of LE/OIL applicants buy a license each year. The money raised from this new license along with matching funds from the Feds will bring in MILLIONS for the State.

Getting felons out of the system is an issue the State should take on, no doubt. I also believe there should be some changes in the acquiring of a LE/OIL tag and then turning it back in, make it harder to turn a tag back in and see how many grannies stop applying.

PRO

Define, develop, and sustain BOTH trophy and opportunity hunts throughout the state of Utah.

 

[nochawk]

I agree with you PRO, thats why I put the Rant on and kicking a dead horse stuff... it has all been rehashed and debated over and over...

Just a sore spot as Im sure it is with others as well. Im all for everyone having to get a license to enter the draw's as well as a permit or somthing like it for the non-consuptive users of the wildlife ie Water sking, bird watchers, Mt bikers, hikers, ect ect I think everyone who leaves the concret jungle for some peace and quiet outdoors should help out.

 

[UGAhunter]

I supported the change, but still like to complain about it. For those of us that remember, Utah used to require a hunting license to obtain a deer tag. When they started limiting deer tags, they eliminated the license requirement and added the fee into the price of the tags. Then they raised the tag prices over the years. Now they are adding the license requirement back. I suppose in a few years they will eliminate that requirement again and add the cost into the permit. Over, and over again. They have to be creative in generating revenue!

It just sucks as a NR having to buy a small game license knowing I will never use it.

 

[Hazmat]

Boy, I'm glad I bought that Lifetime License 15 years ago! I just wish I would have bought them for my then unborn children. (They let you do that back then).

 

[South_slope]

Pro,
Where did you find the 40% do not buy a license? Residents or non-Residents? I am pretty sure evey Utah resident that frequents this site buys one like I do anyway.

Maybe they can use some of the new found wealth to go after criminals.

SS