Utah Division of Wildlife Resources biologists released their recommendations for the 2019 big game hunts and are asking for the public’s feedback.
DWR big game coordinator Covy Jones said that the recommended number of hunting permits each year is based on a few factors.
“There is always an opportunity vs. quality debate when it comes to managing wildlife, but for us, biology and the health of the herd always come first. As a result, plans are an essential part of effective wildlife management,” said Jones.
Several big game populations are doing quite well in Utah, and biologists are recommending an increase in permits for several hunts this fall, including for doe deer and for buck and doe pronghorn.
Here are the biologist permit recommendations for elk:
Hunt 2018 2019
General any bull elk 15,000 15,000
General spike bull elk 15,000 15,000
Cow elk 10,753 9,635
Youth any bull elk 500 500
Limited-entry bull elk 2,876 2,951
Find more details here.
(Photo source: Dennis Griffin)