Outdoor notes

DEER, ELK HUNTING CHANGES

Ideas are currently being floated that could dramatically change when Utah's 2011 deer and elk hunts are held.

Possible changes, and hunter input, is available by logging onto the Division of Wildlife Resources' new Web site page, located at go.usa.gov/3v4.

Information about the proposed changes can be found on the Web page along with a brief questionnaire, which is designed to let biologists know what hunters think about the ideas.

Hunters are also encouraged to share their ideas with members of the Utah Wildlife Board and the state's Regional Advisory Councils. E-mail addresses for the board and RAC members are available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/public_meetings.

GROUSE, CRANE PERMITS

Starting today, the Division of Wildlife Resources will accept applications for this fall's sage-grouse, sharp-tailed grouse and sandhill crane hunts.

To be included in the draw for permits, applications must be received through www.wildlife.utah.gov no later than July 8 at 11 p.m. Applications are also available by phone by calling the nearest DWR office no later than July 8 at 6 p.m. Those who apply for permits will know July 29 if they drew out.

For more information, call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR's Salt Lake City office at 801-538-4700.

CHECK OUT PARK PASSES

After its first, highly successful program in 2009, the Utah State Parks and Recreation is once again working with municipal and county library systems to place annual park passes in libraries throughout the state.

Library patrons can check out an annual park pass, just as they would a book or CD, and visit the parks of their choice. The annual park pass allows the person who checks out the pass and up to seven guests in the same private vehicle day-use entrance to most Utah State Parks. Passes are not valid at This Is The Place Heritage Park, and do not cover Davis County Causeway fees at Antelope Island State Park.

Throughout 2010, passholders also receive $2 off camping fees, seven days a week (excluding holidays and holiday weekends). This discount is honored through the reservation call center and at state park campgrounds on a first-come, first-served basis, but not through the online reservation system. The discount applies to one campsite per night per pass.

For more information, visit stateparks.utah.gov/rockin-utah or call 801-538-7220 or 877-UTPARKS.