Changes are proposed for big-game drawings

Plans are being presented to change the way hunters apply for permits and fees in big-game drawings. Proposed changes would also provide the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources with needed funding.

Individuals will be able to offer their input to the plans during five scheduled Regional Advisory Council meetings.

Proposed changes will be presented at the meetings at which time those attending will be able to offer opinions and suggestions. Information will be compiled, and final recommendations will be presented at RAC meetings in September.

The meetings will be:

July 25 — Southern Region, 7 p.m., Delta High School, 50 W. 300 North in Delta.

July 26 — Southeastern Region, 6:30 p.m., John Wesley Powell Museum, 885 E. Main in Green River.

July 27 — Northeastern Region, 6:30 p.m., Western Park No. 2, 302 E. 200 South in Vernal.

Aug. 1 — Central Region, 6:30 p.m., Springville High School, 1205 E. 900 South in Springville.

Aug. 2 — Northern Region, 6:30 p.m., Brigham City Community Center, 24 N. 300 West, in Brigham City.

The DWR is considering some fee changes that would provide the agency with some much-needed funding.

One change would affect how the state's big-game drawing is conducted. This idea would likely result in fewer people applying for a Utah limited entry or once-in-a-lifetime big-game permit. Reducing the number of applicants would provide the remaining applicants with a better chance at drawing a permit.

"Right now, it costs $5 to apply for a big-game permit in Utah," says Greg Sheehan, administrative services section chief for the DWR. "That's among the lowest fees in the Western states and we believe it's one of the main reasons the number of people applying for big-game permits in Utah has been climbing for years."

While the number of applicants continues to climb, the number of permits hasn't changed much. For example, in 1998, more than 50,000 people applied for about 4,000 permits. In 2006, more than 144,000 people applied for about 4,400 permits.

In 1998, an average of about 13 applications were submitted for every permit that was available. By 2006, that number had climbed to an average of 32 applications per permit.