Hunting on the Decline in the West, Utah, Too
None by Eric Ray
Drop Affecting DWR Budgets
The leaves are starting to turn along the Wasatch Front, but will Hunter Orange be a part of the fall color-parade? Hunting is on the decline in the West, according to the US Census Bureau. Dana Dolsen, Wildlife Planning Manager for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, tells KCPW's Eric Ray that Utah hasn't been immune to the hunting dropoff:
(Dolsen = 4:40)
Use the media player below for a longer conversation with Dolsen, including information about hunter access to private lands and more on the health of Utah's deer population.
(Dolsen = 26:57)
Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW
1. don Peay said:
If you look at the percentage of the entire population, the pertange of hunters is declinging. However, the demand for quality hunting permits has increased from 20,000 applicants to over 150,000 applicants. There are over 250 applicants for each tag availalbe. Larry Miller would love to have that problem for Jazz tickets, or BYU or U of U sports.
HUnting demand is strong as ever, it is changing from a general season experience, to limited draw which means better quality - more animals and less fellow hunters a field.
I complete disagree with the headline - hunting isn't decling, it is changing. Frankly speaking, hunters wished there were not 150,000 applicants for just 4,000 tags.
Don
2. Brian said:
I would assert that the reason hunters are now putting in for the "quality hunting permits" is because in general, the hunting in Utah is no longer "quality." I'd rather take a shot at a premium hunt than spend hundreds of dollars each year for what amounts to a camping trip because we NEVER see game. I also know the chances of ever drawing one of those permits is slim... guess I'll take up badminton.