Outdoor notes

BEAR HUNT PURSUIT PERMITS

For those who enjoy bear hunting with the use of pursuit dogs, a major change is in store this year.

Those who want to hunt on the popular Book Cliffs, San Juan or La Sal units this summer must obtain a permit through a drawing. The number of pursuit permits available for those three eastern Utah units this summer is limited. And the summer season has been split into an early season and a late season.

Applications for pursuit permits for those units will start Tuesday, Feb. 2, and are available at www.wildlife.utah.gov. Starting Feb. 2, hunters may also apply for a black bear hunting permit for any bear unit in the state.

To be included in the draw for permits, applications must be received through the Web site no later than 11 p.m. on Feb. 25.

Results of the 2010 Utah Black Bear Draw will be available by March 11.

Those who are not going to hunt bears in 2010 may still apply for a bonus point, which will increase the chance that they'll draw a bear permit in the future.

Applications for bonus points will also be accepted at www.wildlife.utah.gov from Feb. 2 until 11 p.m. on Feb. 25.

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

BALD EAGLE VIEWING

Seeing a bald eagle in the wild is an experience that can take your breath away. In February, you'll have two chances to not only see bald eagles but to learn more about them.

The Division of Wildlife Resources is holding its annual Utah Bald Eagle Day on two Saturdays, Feb. 6 and 13. On Feb. 6, eagle viewing will take place at sites in central and southwestern Utah. On the following Saturday, Feb. 13, Utah Bald Eagle Day will be celebrated at three sites — two in northern Utah and one in northeastern Utah.

There is no cost to attend Bald Eagle Day. Viewing times are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. except at the Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area site, where viewing will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

On Feb. 6, you can view eagles at the following locations: Fountain Green State Fish Hatchery, located east of Nephi; and Rush Lake Ranch, located on the Minersville highway (SR-130) about 12 miles north of Cedar City.