Outdoor notes

BALD EAGLE DAY

There will be two opportunities to view bald eagles in February with eagle experts on hand to help spot and talk about the birds.

Also, those who attend the Bald Eagle Day event at the Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area on Saturday, Feb. 10, will get an added treat — the unveiling of the new bald eagle license plate.

Utah's annual Bald Eagle Day will be held Saturday, Feb. 3, at sites in central, northeastern and southwestern Utah. On Saturday, Feb. 10, in addition to Farmington Bay, viewing will be offered at Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area, located about 10 miles northwest of Corinne.

Admission to Bald Eagle Day is free. Viewing times are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. except at Salt Creek, where viewing will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The license plate ceremony in Farmington will take place at 10 a.m.

For more information, call 801-538-4771 or contact DWR offices in Ogden, Springville, Vernal or Cedar City.

DEDICATED HUNTER

Hunters can have the opportunity to hunt all three general deer seasons in their favorite region in Utah by joining the state's dedicated-hunter program.

"Hunters who join the program are guaranteed a permit for the region of their choice," said Jill West, coordinator of volunteers for the Division of Wildlife Resources.

In 2006, all permits for the Central, Northeastern, Southeastern and Southern regions were taken in the big game draw.

"Based on what happened last year, we anticipate that permits for all four of those regions will go again in the draw this year," West said. "Dedicated hunters don't have to worry that they won't get a permit, though, because they're guaranteed a permit for the region of their choice."

In addition to receiving a guaranteed permit, those who join the program get a chance to help Utah's wildlife by volunteering on wildlife conservation projects.

To join the three-year program, hunters must complete an online wildlife conservation course and submit an application no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 16.

After completing the course, hunters must pay their program fee — $195 for most residents and $1,032 for most nonresidents — by Feb. 16. The fee includes a participant's deer hunting permits, for the region of their choice, during the three years they're in the program.