Program overview

The Dedicated Hunter program began in 1995. It encourages sportsmen to become actively involved in the conservation of Utah wildlife and habitat. During each three-year enrollment period, participants must complete an online wildlife conservation and ethics course and a minimum of 40 service hours on DWR-approved conservation projects (see new program requirements for details). In exchange for their commitment, participants are guaranteed a permit each enrollment year to hunt buck deer during all general hunts in their region of choice. Region selection applies to the first two weeks of archery as well as the muzzleloader and any-weapon (rifle) season.

General hunts include: (1) archery, (2) region specific muzzleloader, (3) region specific rifle, and (4) extended archery. Some restrictions apply, so see Big Game Guidebook for details. During each three-year enrollment period, participants are limited to harvesting two deer and may not harvest more than one buck deer in the same year. Once a participant's three-year enrollment period has expired, he or she must re-apply.

How to apply

• Read the Dedicated Hunter Rule to learn more about what is expected of participants during the three-year enrollment period.*
• Complete the online Dedicated Hunter orientation course to become eligible to apply.
• Complete a drawing application. The application period runs from 7 a.m. on Jan. 4, 2010 until 11 p.m. on Jan. 19, 2010. Successful applicants will be notified beginning Jan. 28, 2010 via e-mail and US mail. We will charge the credit card number on file at that time.

2009 fee schedule

	Adult	Youth
Resident	$180.00	$105.00
Lifetime license holder	$75.00	$37.50
Nonresident*	$1,032.00	$799.00

Benefits to participant

• Opportunities to contribute to the improved health of wildlife and its habitat
• A buck deer hunting permit for three years in region of choice.
• Dedicated Hunter permits are valid for archery, muzzleloader, any legal weapon (rifle) and extended archery. (Restrictions apply to both archery and extended archery, please see administrative rule for details.)
• Every year Dedicated Hunters don't harvest, return the unused permit and attached tag to be automatically entered in a special Dedicated Hunter Limited Entry drawing.

Limitations to participant

• Participants are allowed only two program harvests in three years, and may not harvest more than one deer in any given year. If a participant harvests two deer in the first two years, he or she will not be eligible to receive a permit in their third year.
• Participants will not receive a permit each year until the required service hours and online conservation and ethics course is completed.
• Participants are not eligible to apply for any other general season buck deer permits.

* Participants who enrolled before 2009 must to complete the 24 service hour requirement set forth in the rule when they applied. Those who have not completed their RAC requirement by January 1, 2009, must complete an alternative online Wildlife Conservation and Ethics course. (available April 2009)