"It will be even more of an opportunity to let the country know what we're doing here in Utah. This will be the largest sportsman's conference to come to Utah. This is really a big deal for the state."

While here in Utah, the three groups will raise millions of dollars that will be used throughout the country to benefit wildlife in areas such as habitat restoration, relocation programs and access rights.

The drawing for hunting permits at the convention will raise money for Utah.

Attendees will pay $5 for each of the 200 permits they wish to apply for. If they're drawn, residents will pay the regular resident fee for the tag and non-residents will pay non-resident fees. All tag money will go to the state. The $5 fee will go to the three groups to cover overhead.

Permits available will include deer, elk, moose, cougar, bear, bison, Rocky Mountain and desert bighorn sheep, Rocky Mountain goats and wild turkey.

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E-mail: sspeckman@desnews.com; grass@desnews.com