The Utah Wildlife Board met in official session, and even though it discussed what typically turns into a heated topic, there were few people in attendance to heat things up.
The board voted to approve an increase in a fishing license by $2 "in order to help keep Utah's fish hatcheries operating." The board voted to put the additional money in a dedicated fund, to be used only for repairing and maintaining the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources' 10 hatcheries.Joe Valentine, DWR aquatic culture supervisor, told the board that most of the concrete raceways in the hatcheries were built in the 1960s, "and are in desperate need of repair."
While the DWR had proposed a $1 increase, the majority of anglers in three regions questioned whether it was enough. The board listened to the concerns and went with the $2 increase.
The board also approved increasing the cost of a small game license by $1. This will add a $3 increase to the combination license.
All increases will need to be approved by the 1998 Legislature.
If approved, the fishing license would go from $18 to $20, and a combination from $25 to $28. Along with that, all sportsmen will need to buy a $5 habitat license.
In other action, the board voted to allow hunters to get up to two elk permits this fall.
In many areas of the state, elk numbers have exceeded management levels. To increase elk harvest in those areas, hunters will be given the opportunity to purchase the additional permit.
Hunters will need to wait until after the antlerless draw on Sept. 10 to buy the second permit.
The board recommended:
- An individual who draws an antlerless elk permit may purchase an "any bull" or "spike" permit on Sept. 10, if they are available.
- An individual who draws an antlerless permit may purchase a second antlerless permit, over-the-counter, if available.
- An individual with a bull permit may purchase an antlerless elk permit, over-the-counter, if available.
The board also approved more than 3,400 antlerless deer permits for the 1997 hunt, which is an increase of about 800 over 1996 numbers.
In final action, the board voted to redesign and consolidate the state's hunting units down to 30. Currently, there are 50 deer hunt units. Under the new design, all species would be managed under the 30 Wildlife Management Units.