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. 7, 2011.

Aug. 29, 2011 is the first day to apply for a permit to hunt tundra swans in Utah this fall.

Photo by Phil Douglass

You can apply for a 2011 Utah swan hunting permit at wildlife.utah.gov starting Aug. 29, 2011.

If you need help applying, call 801-538-4700 no later than 5 p.m. on Sept. 7.

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, 4,539 hunters applied.

Justin Dolling, waterfowl and upland game coordinator for the DWR, says Utah is one of three states in the Pacific Flyway where hunters can hunt tundra swans.

If you've hunted swans before, you know it's an experience that can take your breath away. "Hearing and then catching sight of a flock of swans," Dolling says, "and then waiting—waiting—for one of those big birds to get close enough for a good shot is one of the most thrilling experiences you'll ever have in the marsh."

Learn more

More information about applying for a swan permit will be available in the 2011–2012 Utah Waterfowl Guidebook.

A draft copy of the guidebook should be available at wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks by Aug. 26.