Big-game hunters are in for some changes this year

There are some changes in store for Utah's big-game hunters.

Officials offered this advise on whether they should buy a deer or elk now or wait until after

July 1.

Deer and elk permits went on sale today. Those who wait until after July 1, however, may find changes in the fees. Some may be higher and some lower.

Utah general season elk-hunting permits and

buck deer permits not taken in this year's big-game draw went on sale today.

If you have a 365-day small game or combination license that's valid after July 1, hunters will save money by waiting until after July 1.

Those without a small game or combination license not valid after July 1, can save money by buying a deer or elk permit before July 1.

The reason is that if the small game or combination expires before July 1, hunters will have to buy new permits before buying hunt permits.

Those with a small game or combination license valid after July 1 will find general deer and elk permits reduced.

At this point about 23,000 general bull elk, 12,000 Northern Region general buck deer and 8,300 statewide general archery buck deer go on sale today.

New fees are:

Resident deer permits are $40 but will drop to $35 after July 1.

Resident elk permits are $65 but will drop to $35 after July 1.

A resident combination license is $34 but will drop to $30 after July 1.

A resident small game license is $17 now but will go up to $26 after July 1.

For more information contact the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office.

Deer and elk permits will be available on the DWR's Web site www.wildlife.utah.gov — and from DWR offices and more than 350 hunting license agents across the state.

Sales start today at 8 a.m. online or from DWR offices.

License agents cannot sell permits earlier than 8 a.m.

A list of agents who sell Utah hunting licenses is available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/licenses