Cougar hunting applications available by Sept. 19

Applications to hunt cougars on limited entry areas during Utah's upcoming season will be available one week earlier this year. Hunters can obtain applications beginning Sept. 19 from hunting and fishing license agents statewide, Division of Wildlife Resources offices and the DWR's Web site.

A total of 348 limited entry permits will be offered. A total of 136 of those permits are for areas that will remain limited entry areas throughout the season, and 212 are for areas that will transition into harvest objective areas on Feb. 17, 2007.

To be entered in the draw for permits, mail-in applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Oct. 4. Applications submitted through the DWR's Web site must be received no later than 11 p.m. on Oct. 4. Hunters who have a major credit card are encouraged to apply on the Web site. "That's the quickest and easiest way to apply," says Judi Tutorow, wildlife licensing coordinator for the DWR.

Hunters who don't have a major credit card must mail their application in. To avoid missing the 5 p.m., Oct. 4 cut-off date, Tutorow encourages applicants to obtain an application and mail it in as soon as possible.

Tutorow also reminds hunters that if they draw a permit for a limited entry area, they may not purchase a permit to hunt on a harvest objective area. "Before applying for a limited entry permit, hunters need to decide which hunt they want to participate in," she said.

Draw results will be posted by Nov. 6 at DWR offices and the DWR's Web site.

For more information, call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR's Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.