Hunting expo expected to boost Utah economy

Apart from luring big-game hunters toward a premium tag, the 2007 Western Hunting and Conservation Expo Jan. 17-20 aims to boost the state's economy by generating a projected $30 million.

The first-ever joint national hunting and wildlife convention, announced Wednesday, will be organized by the Foundation for North American and Wild Sheep, the Mule Deer Foundation and Sportsmen for Habitat.

"The economic impact of the expo on the local economy will be $10 million," Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. said. "The three conservation groups will be raising $10 million for wildlife conservation, and an additional $10 million in bookings, new business and sales will be generated for and on behalf of the exhibitors in the event."

Talking about his administration's focus on travel and tourism as a genuine growth agent for the economy, the governor said, "The expo will have a great impact on the state's economy."

The event will be the first of five annual hunting expos scheduled to be held in Salt Lake City through 2011. The top attraction of the event will be the drawing for 200 premium Utah hunting permits at the city's Salt Palace Convention Center available to those who appear in person and pay a $5 per hunt application fee.

"The hunting expo has the potential to not only become Utah's largest convention but also one of the largest of its kind anywhere in North America," Huntsman added.

Hunters will have the possibility of drawing more than one tag. However, bonus points would not apply.

"Two hundred of the West's best elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, moose, mountain goat, bison, cougar, bear and wild turkey will be offered exclusively to those who attend this convention and apply in person," said Byron Bateman, president of the Utah-based Sportsmen for Habitat.

"This is every hunter's dream to apply for all those incredible permits in one location."

The expo will host seminars from world class experts, along with celebrity events, including hunting stories from former Utah Jazz forward Karl Malone and performances by comedian Jeff Foxworthy and country music's Montgomery Gentry.

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