The pic on the front looks like it was taken in the Zoo. What's up with that?

Utah has a good thing going with the Premium Limited Entry units such as the Paunsaugunt and Henry Mountains. I would like to see the State SIGNIFICANTLY expand this program. But, with so many people wanting to hunt, I dont think that will happen. Too many people are satisifed with a two-point buck or even a spike. As a minimum, call the hunt off every other year for four years - (two hunting seasons). I know certain areas will require doe depredation, but all in all, it would provide much greater opportunity at a larger buck. Currently, an applicant has only about a 4% chance of drawing out for a Premium Limited Entry tag. I would be willing to pay more for a deer tag if I knew I had much greater opportunity for a larger buck. But because of a huge shortfall in revenue, I dont think the State would ever enact such a plan. As long as the hunting public is content with the annual slaughter of the spikes and two-points, nothing will change. If the State legislature and DWR could look past the almighty dollar, Utah could be a premium mule deer hunting state.

It appears the picture is of the state run Hardware Ranch elk feeding program.

I keep waiting for the interest in hunting to die off, and give way to videogames and futbol. However, this is the first year that all general season deer tags have sold. The numbers of hunters is growing, but I am not sure if the percentage of population that hunts is growing. It could be simply that there are more people in Utah.

I just got back from the elk hunt and noticed something interesting. Back in the day, you used to have to hike back at least 5 miles to get by yourself. Anymore, you only have to hike one-two miles and find yourself alone. Find a spot about 2 miles away from ATV access and you will find the game.

Are you nuts? Hunts aren't just for the big bucks. We use the meat more than the antlers. Besides, the hunt is as much about going out with dad and my siblings as it is about hunting. The premium and limited entry units provide those who want trophies with that opportunity.
The draw system is bad enough we don't need an every other year hunt.

This article paints a very rosy picture that most hunters really do not see. The game management program in Utah is the legislature will decide. The old time traditional hunting that I grew up with in Utah is long dead. There is far more to hunting than selling a tag but that is all the state of Utah cares about. The bottom line in Utah is if you do not get a premium tag you are out of luck in quality, experience, and availability.

I can bow hunt for deer and elk any sex in Wyoming for basically the entire month of September. If I do not get an animal in the archery hunt I can continue into October with the general rifle season. There are also the options to shoot either sex.

Utah is doing a tremendous disservice to sportsman. If you want a trophy fine but those percentages are slim to none. Most hunters will never shoot a trophy but that is all Utah cares about. The only way the management plan will work is if there is a trophy in every unit. That is not feasable. Limit more of the state? Perhaps

Wyoming here I come.