7/30/2007

Swan applications accepted only online

You'll need to use the Internet to apply for a Utah swan hunting permit this year. The Division of Wildlife Resources is no longer accepting paper applications for swan permits.

You can apply for a swan permit at the DWR's Web site starting Aug. 10. Applications must be received through the site no later than 11 p.m. on Aug. 24.

"If you've never applied for a permit online before, and you have questions about how to do it, please drop by or call a DWR office," says Judi Tutorow, wildlife licensing coordinator for the DWR. "We have computers you can use and staff members who can help you through the process."

When the Utah Wildlife Board meets on Aug. 8, it's likely that the DWR will recommend a total of 2,000 permits for the hunt.

Last year, 3,708 hunters applied for the 2,000 available permits.

Must complete swan course first

If you haven't completed the state's one-time swan hunting orientation course, you must complete the course before you apply for a permit.

The course takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete. It will be available at wildlife.utah.gov by the time the application period starts.

The course must be taken only one time, so if you've already completed the course, you don't need to take it again.

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