"Hunters can have two elk permits in Utah, but at least one of those permits must be a cow elk permit," says Judi Tutorow, wildlife licensing coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources.
"Allowing elk hunters to have at least one cow elk permit is a "win-win' for everyone," Tutorow says. "It helps keep Utah's elk herds within their population objective by increasing the chance that enough cow elk will be taken. It also gives hunters a chance to spend some extra time in the field."
Tutorow says the hunters who obtain a cow elk permit in Utah's anterless draw, and those who have already obtained a bull elk or a hunter's choice permit but have not received a cow elk permit are eligible to obtain a second elk permit. Hunters who have not obtained any elk permits by July 26 are eligible for two cow elk permits. Those who receive two cow elk permits cannot buy a bull elk or a hunter's choice elk permit this year because hunters may not have three elk permits.
Hunters who draw a cow elk permit in the antlerless draw, but haven't obtained a bull elk or a hunter's choice elk permit yet have another option. Instead of buying a second cow permit, they can buy a bull elk or a hunter's choice elk permit.
Permits not taken in this year's Antlerless Draw will be available July 26 at the DWR's website (wildlife.utah.gov), from more than 350 hunting license agents across Utah and at DWR offices.
Permits will be available at the website and at DWR offices starting at 8 a.m. Hunting license agents will open their doors during their regular business hours, so the hours when you can buy a permit from them will vary.
"If you're interested in buying a permit from a license agent, I'd encourage you to contact the agent before July 26 so you'll know when they'll open for business that day," Tutorow says.
Most of the permits that will be available on July 26 are for hunts that occur mostly on private land.
"Before you buy a permit for a hunt that occurs on private land, I'd encourage you to get written permission from the landowner," Tutorow says. "That way, if you obtain the permit, you know you'll be able to use it."
A list of permits is available at wildlife.utah.gov/hunting, then click on the "2007 big game remaining permits" selection to see the list.
Tutorow says hunters can have two elk permits in any of the following combinations: one bull elk permit and one cow elk permit; two cow elk permits; or one hunter's choice permit and one cow elk permit.
Hunters may not obtain two bull elk permits, or a bull elk permit and a hunter's choice permit, DWR officials said.
For more information, call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR's Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.