If you want to hunt tundra swans in Utah this fall, you need to apply for a permit no later than 11 p.m. on Sept. 9, 2010.

Two thousand hunters will have a chance to hunt tundra swans in Utah this fall.

Photo by Phil Douglass

You can apply for a 2010 Utah swan hunting permit at wildlife.utah.gov starting Aug. 30.

If you need help applying, call 801-538-4700 no later than 6 p.m. on Sept. 9, 2010.

Complete the swan course first

If you haven't completed Utah's one-time Swan Hunter Orientation course, you must complete the course before you apply for a permit.

The course is available in the waterfowl portion of the Division of Wildlife Resource's website (wildlife.utah.gov/dwr/hunting).

The course takes about 30 minutes to complete.

You only have to complete the course once, so if you've already completed it, you don't need to take the course again.

A thrilling experience

Just like last year, a total of 2,000 permits will be available for this fall's hunt.

Last year, 4,406 hunters applied.

Tom Aldrich, migratory game bird coordinator for the DWR, says Utah is one of four states in the Pacific Flyway where hunters can hunt tundra swans.

"If you want an experience that'll get your heart pounding," Aldrich says, "try hunting tundra swans. These birds are huge. Waiting for one to fly in close enough for a good shot is a thrill.

"And just hearing and seeing swans in the marsh in the fall—whether you have a swan permit or not—is quite a thrill too," he says.

Learn more

More information about applying for a swan permit is available on pages 11 and 12 of the 2010–2011 Utah Waterfowl Guidebook.

A draft copy of the guidebook is available online.